Description
This car started life as a Champagne Gold Metallic 1. 6 GL and was first registered on 1 August 1982, just before the launch of the Ford Sierra on 15 October.
Little is known of the history of this car but tax discs from 1995 show that it spent some time in Cumbria (Shap) and Lancashire. Extensively repaired, modified and repainted in the period 2020-2022 she moved to Hampshire in 2023, where she has been to shows and used for casual trips. ULEZ compliant and without the need for an MoT, she is both a head-turner and economical to run.
The car has had a glass-out bare metal respray with all corrosion cut out and repaired. Photos are available showing new sills, scuttle repairs and a new jacking point. The underside has been painted body colour and is in pristine condition. The suspension is all new and poly-bushed. The exhaust is hand-built and has a throaty sound which is great but not intrusive at motorway speeds. Extensive wax injection with clear body wax has protected it from the elements - plus it is always garaged.
The engine is now a fuel injected Pinto run with an original Ford engine managment unit, which does away with the lottery that is starting a Cortina from cold. It starts first time, every time and drives superbly. New tyres, shock absorbers, brake discs, brake lines, pads and a rear brake caliper conversion ensures that stopping is assured with maximum safety.
The interior is as you see in the photos, good but not pristine. The carpets are very good and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The door cards are in excellent condition as are the dash and rear shelf. The headlining is untidy and requires replacement.
The car was serviced as a part of the engine replacement programme, with fresh oil, filters and coolant.
This resto-mod Cortina will not be for the purist. I love the combination of stop-and-stare good looks and tasteful upgrades. It makes the car bolder and better than the original. The £20k+ of work that has gone into it means it will be easy to live with in future.
