1964 Ford Cortina Super – Project Profile

Before we get into this we’d like to ask you to do two things for us if that’s OK? Firstly, go and have a read of the article we published last week honouring Ford’s Bryan Wingfield. That should serve as context for the auction listing featuring this particular Ford Cortina Super. Secondly, head over to our friend Jonny Smith’s YouTube channel and take a look at his excellent video showcasing the unearthing of the car from the garage it has been living in, untouched for about 40 years.

As part of The Late Brake Show’s incredibly popular barn find series the 1964 Mark 1 Ford Cortina gets pulled out of its Essex lock up and the team try and get it running. You’ll have to watch the full video to find out if they do but suffice to say the car has survived remarkably well. It’s a rather excellent, solid example, with few miles and a literal shed load of parts that has become somewhat of an Internet celebrity.

The Ford Cortina hit the streets in September 1962 as a stylish replacement for the Ford Consul Classic and Ford Consul Capri. Intended as an affordable, practical and stylish family car it proved incredibly popular – not just in the British automotive market but also in the world of rallying and if you haven’t heard of Jim Clark and his now iconic Lotus-powered Mk1 Cortina then you too must have been locked away in a garage for the past four decades.

What is it?

The Ford Cortina Mark 1 was available in various trims and engine options, with the ‘Super’ being the more upscale version offered, sitting just behind the GT cars but above the Standard and Deluxe models. Clearly taking design cues from across the pond it had a modern (for the time) and elegant aesthetic. This car, one of the aforementioned Super models, has a 1.2-litre engine mated to a four-speed manual and has had just four former keepers since being first registered in 1964. Bryan Wingfield’s daughter Kate now owns this Cortina and is auctioning it off to help raise funds for Bryan’s care. Having raced Fords as a young man before making his mark on the world of GT40s it’s a fitting listing for the Wingfield’s cause.

Why is it a project? 

As previously mentioned this Ford Cortina Super has been garaged for 40 years and although it will need fully recommissioning this isn’t a rusty shell with a seized engine and a rodent infestation. Far from it. It’s actually pretty well preserved and deserving of a proper restoration. Yes the paintwork has seen better days but the bodywork, as a whole, looks good with no major dents or marks to note and the exterior of the Cortina is original.

The nearside rear arch will need to be replaced due to rust but the car appears to be mostly free from any other major corrosion. If you haven’t watched the video then this is a spoiler alert: the car does indeed now run thanks to some spannering by Bryan’s son in law and it drives and starts on the button, albeit with a minor misfire which is yet to be investigated.

What should you look for? 

This is an auction listing and as such we’ve done all the hard work for you. We would encourage you to examine all of the pictures and read the listing. All of the information you need is there. If you haven’t already done so then do watch The Late Brake Show video too as there is a wealth of information contained therein. This isn’t a rare car so parts and support are easy to come by, too.

What should you do with it? 

There is a temptation (as with any old Ford) to drop a more modern and fruitier engine and drivetrain into this Cortina but due to the car’s superb originality we would fully recommission and restore the thing back to factory spec. We know it’s a solid, running and driving example and with myriad spare parts included as well, that shouldn’t be too much of a headache to achieve.

With a low reserve this is an excellent opportunity to own and restore a true ’60s British classic, all the while giving something back to Bryan Wingfield – a man who gave so much to the Classic Car world. And why not have a look at the other items in the collection too while you’re at it, including a rare Ford Galaxy prototype? Happy bidding.