Highlights
- Originally a California car, garage stored all its life
- Completely resprayed in BMW platinum grey metallic
- Engine completely rebuilt with performance upgrades
- Some work still required to complete the project
- Includes many spare parts such as brake linings and light lenses
- Awaiting registration in the UK, NOVA certificate complete and present
The Appeal
Following the failure of the Edsel, Roy Brown Jr was banished to the department Ford seemed very content to forget - Ford of Britain in Dagenham. This was a designer, though, who was not one to mope - he pulled up his sleeves, cracked his knuckles and got to work on one of the best-selling cars in Britain - the Cortina.
Intended as cheap, easy and free of fuss, the Cortina perfectly summarised the changing British relationship with the motor car. People expected them to be useful, economical and to carry just enough character to capture the eyes - this was, after all, the era that would give us the Mini - and when it landed in 1962, the Mk1 Cortina slotted into the zeitgeist and changed everything. So much so that the now immensely redeemed Roy Brown managed to get back out of Dagenham in '66 swiftly!
This fine example stands out in that it spent much of its life in California, until it arrived on British soil in 2023. That dry-state history has led to a beautifully presented car, with all of its original body panels appearing free of any significant corrosion. It's recently been resprayed in a BMW shade of platinum grey metallic - which suits it to the ground - and boasts a Stage 2 upgraded engine with twin 40 carbs. Just a little more work is required to get it ready for the road - then it just needs registering!
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1965
- Sold in 1966
- Left-hand drive example
- 2 previous registered keepers
- Purchased in 2011 in Oakland, California
- Imported in 2023
- NOVA certificate present and ready to be registered in the UK.
- No MOT currently as not yet UK registered
- Comes with lots of invoices for new parts and work carried out
- Garage stored all its life
- Indicates 90,553 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Provided with plenty of spares such as brake linings and light lenses
The Condition
- All original body panels, with no signs of corrosion
- Stripped to bare shell and resprayed in BMW platinum grey metallic
- Resprayed areas include body, door shuts, under bonnet, and engine bay
- Some areas of peel where the paint hasn't properly adhered
- Brightwork carries some areas of patina, though far from intrusive #
- Minilite alloys present very nicely
- Underside looks in good, solid order
- Mostly new interior including headlining, carpet, door cards (front and rear), seats, and dashboard
- Everything is nicely presented with little sign of wear
- Some patina to the handbrake handle
- No sign of any rips or tears
The Mechanics
- 1.5-Litre 4-cylinder 'Kent' engine
- Manual transmission
- All new brake cylinders and front and back brake pads and linings
- Complete new Ashley exhaust system
- Needs battery, fuel pump wiring, and rev counter wiring before it can return to the road
- Once work has completed and the car is registered, we're no doubt it'll be a fine classic
Engine completely rebuilt with the following features:
- Stage 2 unleaded head
- Twin 40 carburettors
- Facet electric fuel pump
- Fuel regulator
- High pressure oil pump
- A3 cam
- New water pump
- Adjustable timing chain
- New alternator
- All new hoses
- Rebuilt radiator
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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