Beskrivning
What is the definition of time-warp condition? A much-overused description in the world of old cars but this quite astonishing automatic Cortina in Goodwood Green is utterly mind-blowing. Not an over-restored show example but in our eyes, a largely original car and I only wish we could present it to you on a mirrored floor as, quite remarkably, the underside is even better than the topside! Still in body colour paint-finish and yet to see any welding after 61 years (yes, almost underheard of), this is the stuff of dreams. If you are seeking to acquire one of the nicest original-specification cars available today, look no further.
Launched just weeks before the London Motor Show in September 1962, the all-new Cortina was designed by Roy Brown Jr, who had been banished to Dagenham after the massive failure of the Edsel project. His brief here was to design a family car that would sell in large numbers, rivalling the Morris Oxford and Vauxhall Victor. Available initially as either a 2 or 4-door saloon and from 1963, an estate version, various trim levels were offered (Standard, Deluxe, Super and GT) powered by an enlarged Anglia Kent engine bored out to 1198cc. A year later, the 5-bearing 1498cc appeared and in GT form (lowered suspension and tuning) gave 78BHP and in turn the sporting car for Britain`s family man was born. Early cars were identified by their Consul badging to the bonnet (the model was to be called the Consul 225) and elliptical sidelights but after a minor facelift in summer 1964, the Consul name was dropped and front grill redesigned to incorporate sidelight and indicator units. A redesign by Roy Haines in the Autumn of 1966 lead to the introduction of the Mk. II, a longer, wider car with an ever-increasing choices of engine sizes and trim levels. As so, the story of the now legendary Cortina continued with what was to become a 20-year production span and global success.
Our car dates from June 1964 making it one of the very last pre-facelift Mk. 1a models. Registered in Yorkshire, we sadly know very little of the Cortina`s history although MoT inspections document it residing around 10 years ago in South Wales before heading to Bideford in Devon in 2016. Whilst in South Wales, we understand that the car was professionally repainted to a high standard but owing to the death of the owner and paperwork subsequently going astray, we have little to go on. We do know that the car was sold by the estate to a very short-term keeper in Southampton before being acquired by our Devon-based, long-time Ford enthusiast. For the next 9 years, the Cortina was used and enjoyed sparingly, covering just 1300 miles and has only become available now owing to senior years and simple lack of use.
Despite the lack of a substantial paper-trail, the condition and presentation of the car itself speaks volumes. It is absolutely typical of a classic that evidently has benefitted from a professional bare-shell repaint in the last 15 years or so and has covered very few miles since. The paintwork has a gentle patina indicative of some age with just one or two minor imperfections whilst just a little minor pitting is evident to the chrome-work. Indeed, all brightwork, glass and trim would appear to be wholly original. Both engine bay and underside are remarkable and once again reflect a relatively recent professional repaint. Normally such a refresh comes after some form of restoration but from our inspections, this is not the case here. We cannot find any trace of welding anywhere. Quite astonishing for a Cortina of this age and have taken ample photographs for those interested. The cabin tells pretty much the same story. All painted areas are superb and once again indicate a stripped-out interior that has been repainted and then completely re-fitted with the original seats, door-cards and carpets. The headlining is possibly a replacement as it just looks too clean to be 61 years old!
Turn the key and the little 4-pot fires immediately into life sounding sweet and free-revving. Select “D” and the Cortina pulls away smoothly with almost seamless changes, even on kickdown, from the 3-speed automatic gearbox. Plenty of glass ensures great all-round visibility and with a comfortable ride, nice neutral handling and reassuringly firm brakes, this is a wonderful place to just sit in and cruise. And it feels so evocative. From the oversized steering wheel and floor-mounted litter bin to the twin-gauged console with Cortina scripting. Soak up the `60`s in style! On a sultry July afternoon, I took the Cortina out for a run across the West Dorset Downs and it drives as good as it looks. Indeed, it is a very easy car to drive, helped of course by the automatic gearbox and would make a fabulous family classic that could be enjoyed and driven by all.
The car comes with a small history file consisting of old MoT Certificates and current V5C, a quantity of spare parts and full set of keys. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
An astonishingly good example of an iconic British saloon.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
