Descrição
HERE at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 25 years) we are moving the timeline into the early 80s with today's offering. In July 1982, the last ever Ford Cortina - a Mark V Crusader - rolled off the Dagenham production line. Here we have a delightfully original Crusader, registered one month later on August 26.
Now, let me say first of all that this is a totally original car. It has covered a warranted 35, 000 miles from new and remains unrestored and unmolested. To the best of my knowledge the paintwork is the original and even the Crusader stripes remain along both sides as well as in the centre of the bonnet. The interior, practically up to Ford Ghia standards on this final run of the Cortina (aka the Crusader), is superb too. She drives superbly and, funnily enough, during the past six months or so her miles have moved on nicely from 32, 000 to 32, 500, thus proving that she is more than eager to handle today's roads and traffic 41 years after she was built.
As they say, cars are only original once. Therefore there's a few touch ups here and there where no doubt the Halford's tin of Ford Champagne Gold was used on the occasional Sunday morning while there's evidence of some fading - or maybe just over polishing - to some of the roof. But these minor cosmetics must be traded off against the car's amazing originality, condition and ultra-low miles. These miles can be accounted for via the car's original Ford Sure service book and, where that ends, via old MoTs which come in the history file. Having driven these cars first time around, I had probably forgotten just how good they were back in the day. Now classed as an Historic Vehicle and therefore both tax and MoT exempt, such has been the love lavished upon her that she comes with a current MoT (no advisories) until November this year.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 41years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 41-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. 07595 02028
