Highlights

• A lovely looking factory 3-litre V6 version of the popular Cortina based pickup
• Built in South Africa and having spent its life there until import in 2022
• Boasting a nicely fitted and finished cab and surprisingly well appointed

The Appeal

Like many other marques, Ford were well practised in producing useful commercial vehicles from the underpinnings of their road cars. One such example was the, originally named, Cortina Pickup. The P100 nomenclature didn’t come into use until the year after this 1981 example was built. Production of the Cortina Pickup originated in South Africa in 1971, with the model being based on the MK3 Cortina.

This example, being a 1981 model, is based on the MK5 Cortina’s bodywork. This example is fitted with the well-proven Ford “Essex” 3-litre V6 petrol engine. This engine was never officially sent to the UK in the P100 making this an exciting proposition for any Ford fan or pickup aficionados.

The History and Paperwork

• This Cortina pickup rolled out of the Port Elizabeth factory in December 1981
• The pickup spent its entire life in the dry, arid climate of South Africa until 2022
• In January 2022, the current owner imported the pickup to the UK
• The Nova document is dated 26/01/22
• The pickup was first registered here in April 2022
• The current V5 is present in the name of the first and only UK keeper
• The pickup is registered as a Historic Vehicle
• This means the vehicle is MoT and VED exempt in the UK
• HMRC paperwork relating to the import is also on hand

The Interior

• Our example features a nicely trimmed and finished interior
• The cab is fitted with a full width bench seat 
• This bench has been retrimmed in black fabric flecked with red
• A large Ford blue oval is featured in the centre of the backrest
• The bench squab is sculpted to allow for the movement of the gear lever
• The fabric of the seat is in a first-class condition
• The cabin floor is fully trimmed in deep black carpet
• These appear in an excellent condition throughout
• The dashboard is recognisably direct from the Ford Cortina
• This is complete with wood effect veneer to the instrument binnacle
• The binnacle consists of a large speedometer and rev counter
• The speedometer is calibrated in kilometres per hour
• The original four spoke Cortina padded steering wheel is fitted
• The centre section houses heater controls and vents
• A water temperature gauge is fitted in the centre console
• The door cards are trimmed in black vinyl with wood veneer cappings
• The headlining is well fitted and consists of light-coloured vinyl
• The generous load bay appears to be in fine condition
• It is remarkably damage free for this type of vehicle
• It is finished in textured protective paint in mat black
• The floor of the bay is ribbed for additional strength and support
• A thick, tubular cab bar is fitted and finished in gloss black

The Exterior

• The pickup looks fantastic in its bright blue and silver livery
• The top portion of the pickup is finished in bright metallic blue
• At the waistline this changes to bright silver
• The two tones are separated by a double coach line
• The paintwork appears pristine and boasts a high metallic flake content
• The front has a very Cortina-esque look and is complete with twin driving lamps
• The front bumper is finished in matt black
• The pickup sits on silver painted steel wheels
• These are complete with chromed beauty rings and black centre caps
• The tyres are of a radial type and the tread depth has been photographed for review
• The tailgate features a large Ford script picked out in black paintwork
• The cabin glass and light lenses all look to be in a fine condition
• Discreet “3000” motifs feature in the flanks and rear of the pickup

The Mechanics

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• Our example is fitted with the renowned Essex V6 3-litre petrol engine
• This is a powerful and torquey unit with an original output of around 130 bhp
• These engines are much loved for their ability to be tuned to higher outputs
• In this pickup power is fed to the rear wheels
• This is via a four-speed manual gearbox with floor mounted gear selector
• This example has been fitted with a new battery
• An antifreeze service has recently been undertaken
• The owner reports that the auto-choke is not working currently
• Despite that he reports it as starting easily
• Once warm it idles smoothly and reliably
• A wiper motor is also noted as requiring a replacement
• The under-bonnet presentation is very strong with this example
• The blue cam covers are embossed with “3.0L V6” in silver
• The underside of the pickup appears very well presented too 

Summary