Highlights

Subject to extensive restoration from the bare body shell up
Recently recommissioned by current owner to an extremely high standard
Sits on custom made 17” AZEV alloy wheels
Wonderfully presented throughout

The Appeal

Ask anyone of a certain age and the chances are they will have at some point in their life, had or spent considerable time in a Ford Cortina. Whether it was their own, their dads or anything in between, the Ford Cortina was the car for the everyman and has undoubtedly been a part of many families memories throughout the four generations production spanned. The glorious blue oval showed the world that a practical family car needn’t come at the compromise of style and driving pleasure.

PYM 185F is a striking second generation variant of the esteemed model. In its 1600E guise, it was subject to a thorough restoration over a four year period in the early 2000s, before an extensive refresh throughout 2023 at the hands of its current keeper. Standing in great condition both aesthetically and mechanically, it's certainly an eye catcher and one of the more interesting Cortinas out there, and for the avid Ford lover, it's primed and ready for a summer season full of shows and cruising.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 14/02/1968
Just three previous owners from new
Purchased from the second owner in the early 2000s by a mechanic for the revered East London workshop Rude Mercs
After purchase the car was stripped to its bare shell before being painstakingly rebuilt over the proceeding four years
Following a change of hands in 2016, the car was placed into a garage where it remained untouched for eight years before being purchased by the current owner in 2023
Following acquisition in 2023 the vendor set about a general refresh and recommission of the car with new parts purchased largely from Ford legends Burton Power
As we understand the car has had quite the presence on the show circuit and has been featured in “Street Machine” magazine
Accompanied by a well documented photo album detailing the restoration
Several invoices present many of which are from Burton Power for parts bought for the post 2023 recommission
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt due to the age and historic status of the vehicle
V5 registration document is present with the car

The Condition

Marvellously presented, in great aesthetic order throughout
Striking gold colour scheme, resprayed to an incredibly high standard during its early 2000s restoration
The paintwork itself is in great order, having borne the test of time incredibly well, it still presents with a glorious, vibrant shine
Very light signs of age and patina throughout the exterior of the car, however the car is still very much in show worthy condition
17” AZEV alloys reside at all four corners; these were custom drilled to fit the car, with it understood to be one of the first Cortina’s to be fitted with 17” wheels
External trim and chromework is of a good standard and presents as such
Black vinyl roof panel with replacement Webasto pull back ragtop fitted, in great working order
We are informed new old stock wings, doors, sills and arches were fitted during the car’s original restoration
Fitted with a brand new interior at the time which is still in impeccable order
Deep black upholstery throughout, in excellent order, with high quality seating front and rear and matching door panels with wood finish door cappings
Internal fixtures, fascias and switchgear are in thoroughly great shape with minimal signs of age visible
Alpine radio head unit

The Mechanics

1600E variant equipped with legendary 1.6 litre four cylinder engine
Paired to a quality four speed manual transmission
Subject to extensive refresh by the current keeper through late 2023 with new parts sourced from revered Ford specialists Burton Power
The vendor also commissioned an auto electrician to rewire the car with a new dashboard loom and modern flat blade fuse terminal
The Cortina fires into life quickly and comfortably and in no time settles into a comfortable idle
The vendor reports of a wonderful overall driving experience, with a characteristic classic Ford level of driver engagement
The underside of the car looks to be in good solid form throughout

Summary

If you grew up in the 1960s the chances are this is a car that brings back fond memories. Perhaps one of the most significant automobiles of all time, certainly here in Britain, the Ford Cortina has safely reserved its place in the automotive hall of fame and is certainly a quality example of Ford in its finest hour.

This 1968 MK2 Cortina is a striking, honest presentation of the iconic everyman Ford. Subject to an extensive restoration before a more recent refresh and mechanical recommission, this is a real gem and one that is surely enough to widen the eyes of even the most astute classic Ford lover.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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