The final incarnation of the Ford Cortina was also the very best - brought in as an update to the Cortina Mk IV, the Cortina 80, (unofficially known as the Mk V) was a substantial facelift, with new front and rear lamps, a larger glass area and a wider, flatter roof.
It was a superb evolution of an already well-positioned car – the changes enough to elevate it to the status of being Britain’s best-seller right up until the arrival of the Sierra in late 1982.
A favourite with both fleets and families, there was a time where a Cortina was on every corner – but not anymore. Today, very few Cortina MkV s remain and those that do are in big demand. Add in the fact that this one is a range-topping Ghia and it becomes even more desirable.
This example comes with a massive pile of documents covering its history from the early 1990s onwards, where it passed from being a well-maintained used example to being a cherished enthusiast’s car before having a more relaxing time of late as a showroom centrepiece at a main dealership in Kings Lynn, Norfolk.
The vendor bought it on a whim last year – a car collector himself, he had fond memories of journeys driving from London to Cyprus and back in a variety of identical Cortinas in his younger years. Having taken his trip down Memory Lane, he’s now ready to pass the Cortina on to a new owner and free up garage space for a new toy.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt, but supplied with MOT valid until July 2023
Most old MOT certificates back to the 1990s
Original owners’ handbook
Lots of invoices for repairs and servicing covering a 30-year period
Bill of sale from main dealership showing a five-figure sum to buy the car in 2022
Insurance valuation certificate
Purchased by an enthusiastic owner in 1992 who kept, maintained and eventually restored the car
Subsequently used as a display piece in a dealership in Kings Lynn
THE INTERIOR
Two-tone grey and brown houndstooth velour
Matching brown carpets
Wooden door cappings
Wood-effect fascia
Excellent headlining and door cards
Period leopard-print steering wheel cover
Modern Pioneer head unit with DAB and USB input
Manual sunroof
Very good condition throughout with minor sagging to seat fabric
THE EXTERIOR
Venus Gold Metallic
Period brown vinyl roof
Excellent overall order
Aftermarket Ford alloy wheels
Very good paint finish with no major flaws or dents – repainted in late 2010s
Comprehensively undersealed underneath
Original Ford accessory fog lamps
Very good chrome and trim, one bumper end cap slightly misaligned
No issues with front scuttle panel, valance, rear scuttle, boot floor or sills – all very clean and solid
THE MECHANICS
2.0-litre Ford Pinto engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Automatic choke
Starts and idles smoothly with steady temperature
Appears to be in good mechanical order with lots of historic maintenance
SUMMARY
This is a really lovely and unspoilt example of a Mk V Cortina, presented in very good condition overall and with a well-documented history. It’s a wonderful slice of 1980s nostalgia, and it being a desirable Ghia specification just adds even more appeal to what’s already a booming 1980s classic.
Millions of people have happy Cortina memories. If you’re one of them, then here is the perfect opportunity to relieve it – it looks right, smells just like a Cortina should and is in fabulous condition.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
