1968 Ford Cortina Zetec – Auction Car of the Week
October 30, 2022
Of all the pockets of varying clubs and enthusiasts the classic Ford world is one of the more populated when it comes to engine transplants. If it has a blue oval badge then people will chuck a different powerplant at it and the scene is littered with such projects, all to varying degrees of performance and quality. We love them and have showcased a few over the years, whether it be as Classified of the Week, Project Profile or indeed Auction Car of the Week, like this particular Ford Cortina Zetec conversion. The Cortina is a perennially popular classic. It’s not surprising either with so much choice across the range. Having been in production for twenty years, spanning five generations, there is surely a model for everyone. From the original two-door saloon, through the muscle car-esque, Coke bottle Mk IIIs to the later, more boxy ’80s top of the range Ghias, the Cortina runs the gamut for devotees of the marque.
Take the Mk II, for instance. Perhaps not as iconic as the Mk I, lacking as it does those legendary Colin Chapman/Jim Clark connections, but the second generation Cortina, debuting in 1966, still delivered, building upon the success of its predecessor. Mirroring Thailand’s tourist catchphrase of “same same, but different”, Ford’s tag line for the updated Mk II was “the new Cortina is more Cortina” which, as reductive as it sounds, actually hits the nail on the head as far as the new platform was concerned. With a more boxy aesthetic designed by Roy Haynes the Mk II was roomier, more comfortable and came with better performing engines. They were all useful upgrades but the Cortina retained everything that made it such a favoured family saloon and the public agreed, making it Britain’s most popular car a year after its release.
So what of the Ford Cortina Zetec we’re throwing our auction spot light on this week then? Originally a 1968 two-door, 1600GT model it has eschewed its original 1.6-litre, 80bhp engine in favour of a much zestier and modified 2.0-litre Zetec lump. It’s a popular swap and is tried and tested in classic Ford circles, but this hasn’t been thrown together in a shed. Oh no. This particular conversion has been completed by race car and restoration specialists Tiger Racing, the outcome of which is frankly spectacular.
The engine, aside from being hugely more powerful and usable than the original, benefits from several enhancements, including an ERA sump, twin Weber 45 carburettors and Nodiz ignition system. The mechanical upgrades are not just limited to the engine, however. The car is also fitted with a 5-speed type 9 gearbox and quick shift kit, new Gaz adjustable shocks and a rebuilt differential meaning it handles as well as it goes.
On top of the engine conversion Tiger Racing have also fully restored the car. A replacement body was sourced before being stripped back to bare metal, repaired and then resprayed in glorious two-tone, gold over red in a fitting tribute to the Mk II saloon of Alan Mann Racing, one of the great, championship winning motorsport teams of the ’60s. The results speak for themselves and combined with the gold Superlite wheels, to say the car is a looker would be a gross understatement.
The interior has also been retrimmed as part of Tiger Racing’s professional restoration process but any factory parts that could be utilised were kept, retaining as much originality as possible. The dash, for example, may carry a little damage but it is the original unit, complete with gauges and it definitely adds a touch of authenticity to the cabin. High wear areas such as the seats and carpets have been re-upholstered though and the car has been fitted with front belts for safety.
Everyone remembers the Mk I Lotus Cortina, it does cast a rather large shadow after all, but you should dare to be a little different and fly the flag for the Mk II with this glorious and well-sorted re-imagining of a true British working class hero. Whether it be a weekend toy, hill climb weapon or car show stunner, whatever you choose to do with this Ford Cortina Zetec you will certainly proudly stand out amongst the crowds.
