1975 Ford Cortina 2000E – Project Profile
June 1, 2023
“If anything happens to this motor, I’m gonna’ come around your ‘ouse and stamp on your toys? Got it? Good kids.” Because really, can we start an article about a 1975 Ford Cortina 2000E without mentioning the big coat-wearing legend that is Gene Hunt? He drove a Cortina (though his was a GXL) and he never had a dull moment. That could be you if you bid on this little garage-find stunner. And while this 1975 example might not be resplendent in bronze, it is still special, both in the real world and on screen. Recently made ‘Internet famous’ by Jonny Smith’s Late Brake Show on YouTube where it has amassed north of 400,000 views, it’s also a special order car due to it being painted black – not a colour you would have found in the brochure. So while it might not have ever chased criminals on the streets of Manchester, it is still very worthy of your attention. Gene Hunt would, if he could, that’s for sure…
What is it?
Hidden away since the 1990s, this 1975 Ford Cortina 2000E is a very rare find indeed. The Ford Cortina is a legendary machine in its own right, and while people that buy Ford-branded clothing of their own volition and wear it without a hint of irony might tell you the Mk1 and Mk2 are the best, they’re wrong. The Mk3 is a stunning thing thanks to those iconic ‘coke bottle’ lines. It was well equipped (especially in 2000E trim) and it was a hoot to drive, too. First registered in April of 1975, this Cortina’s life didn’t really become special until 1977 when the second owner – the seller’s grandfather – bought it. He cherished the car, always keeping it garaged, always insisting that only he drove it, and even being so devoted as to never leave the car unattended. The car was last driven in the 1990s, though it remained in Pat, the second owner’s, custody until he sadly passed away in 2003. Since then, the car has been kept in a dry, warm garage until being dug out, cleaned off and started in the aforementioned video.
Why is it a project?
Well, it’s a Ford that’s not been on the road over over thirty years, so it needs some love. Jonny did, however, demonstrate ‘proof of life’ in his video by getting the old, trusty four-cylinder Pinto engine to bark into life, albeit briefly. It’s going to need a full mechanical overhaul, front to back. Make no mistake. But it’s all common stuff and it’s no more difficult to work on than a Lego set. As for the visual stuff, the interior is in excellent condition with the exception of a missing glove box lock, and the driver’s seat has been replaced at some point for one in a lighter hue, so you’d want to get that re-trimmed.
Externally, the paint is remarkably presentable. We’d be inclined to save it for posterity if nothing else. There is – this is a Ford after all – some rust to content with. It’s coming through on the rear arches, the rear quarters, bottom of the A pillars and around the front indicators. But none of it looks too scary. Underneath, it looks remarkably solid. There is work to do, but that’s a project car for you. Crucially though, this car is virgin, untouched by a bodging hand. It’s a great place to start a restoration.
What should you look for?
Being an auction car, we have done the hard work for you. Have a look at the listing for this 1975 Ford Cortina 2000E and lose yourself in the detailed description, and of course, the hundreds of pictures. And don’t forget to watch the video, too. There is so, so much content and information on the car covering every little detail, so you can bid with confidence.
What should you do with it?
If it were out money, we would bid, buy and first of all, give it that much-needed full mechanical overhaul. New brakes, shocks, suspension, fluids, maybe even rebuild the engine, new clutch, you get the idea. Then, we’d get any welding done that it might need for an MOT, and we would protect the underside thoroughly, just for peace of mind if nothing else. We’d get that odd seat re-trimmed, and we’d have the split vinyl roof replaced. After that, the body would get a full buff and detail and we’d call it good. This car has a truly, truly honest and hard earned patina and a respray would rob it of that. It would be a shame to lose that factory paint, even if it isn’t perfect. Though by having a bit of age to it, you’ll be more willing to drive it, and that’s surely what Pat would have wanted?
