The seller felt he had to buy this Cortina when he saw it for sale in 2021. So often it’s the sporty two door models, or the hot engine versions that survive; humdrum examples like this were usually driven until either they weren’t financially viable to fix, or were devoured by tin worm and failed the MoT.
This one had the same owner from new in 1970 until 2018, that’s 48 years!
When he eventually sold the Cortina it had covered just less than 136,000 miles and had toured Europe extensively from Norway to the South of France, Poland to Hungary, Berlin to Vienna, Slovakia, Bratislava, Czechoslovakia and even over the Tatra Mountains.
The only issue was a fan belt on various 2-3,000 journeys. Now just 1200 miles later the Cortina was purchased by the seller last year he hasn’t driven it. In fact he hasn’t even registered it in his name!
Starting and running sweetly it’s as original as you could hope to find and with its complete and comprehensive history it would be an ideal candidate for restoration, or just to be enjoyed as it is.DSC_0005.JPG1.32 MB
History and Paperwork
Built in Dagenham in December 1969
Purchased from A Gray & Company, Guildford
1st Registered 6th June 1970
Original cheque to Dealer for £869.5s&5d plus first Tax disc
Original Service book with 7 stamps from A Gray & Co to 1973 at 19,000 miles
Daily driver from 1970 to 1997
New front wings, rear arches and paint in early 90s
New exhaust in October 2021
Engine rebuilt in 1989 at 89,000 miles
Driven on tours all over Europe
Stayed with original owner until 2018
Nearly all MoTs from new
Only 2 further registered owners
MoT to June 2021
Bought by the seller in 2021 but never registered to him.
V5c in previous owner’s name
Second V5c in name of first owner
Various books including Owners Handbook, Service book, repair manual and Radio Instructions
Large history folder with invoices back to 1970s/80s
Inside the seats look to be original although the driver’s seat may have been changed or has aged differently. The dash is simple, intact and smart with the correct scattering of switches, with a heater and two gauges; the speedometer and fuel and temperature.
The is a LW/MW Motorola radio which is likely to be original. The dash top although a little faded has no cracks. The green carpets are definitely original and are faded to several different shades with areas of wear and creasing. A bit tired but fine as they are.
The roof lining is taut but shows some staining along the top of the windscreen. There are seat belts fitted to the front seats.
The repaint in the early 90s has aged well with no areas of bubbling, or dents that we could see. The flanks are straight without any car park damage. It should be noted that the original colour Code CR Light Green appears to be a slightly different shade to the exterior.
The steel wheels have standard chromed hubcaps that are free of dents and reasonably clean. The tyres are Goodyear Grand Prix S on the rear axle and Dunlop SP Sport on the front. All have plenty of tread remaining.
All the chrome areas are good, particularly the bumpers which are excellent. The grille is all intact and sports a couple of badges, the AA and the Civil Service Driving Club.
The headlights and other lenses are all fie with no cracks or chips.DSC_0011.JPG1.48 MB
The Mechanics
Starts easily and drives well
New exhaust
Very original engine bay
Under the bonnet it is exactly how you’d expect it to be, in fact better considering the age of the car. The simple 1600 engine looks to be absolutely original and so simple by modern standards. The bulkhead and shock towers are a little dirty with the odd dusting of surface oxidisation here and there but look solid.
There is some evidence of new parts showing usual maintenance, but nothing looks out of place. Although we weren’t able to drive the Cortina it was running sweetly, with a remarkably smooth tick over; no chattering or clattering, and sign of smoke from the exhaust.
Underneath the chassis appears to be solid with most areas waxoyled . Understandably the exposed metal parts show some surface corrosion, but nothing looks too bad.DSC_0106.JPG4.19 MB
Summary
Simple cars with such a well-documented life are becoming a rarity, especially the more everyday drivers of their time.
This one is ready for its next adventure, whether it gets restored or enjoyed as it is we are sure it has plenty more miles to come!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
