Highlights

Older restoration in attractive Lotus-adjacent color scheme
Engine rebuild in 2025 costing over £7,800
Five owners with previous one for 20 years
Large history file including original ads
Practical and stylish 60s sedan

The Appeal

In its own way, the Cortina was as influential as the Beetle, perhaps even the Model T. It made car ownership reliable and easy. But unlike either of those cars, there was a Tina for all tastes, from frugal to luxurious and, of course, sporty too.

This 1966 1200 nods to all that with its stylish two-tone color scheme, front quarter bumpers and fat steel wheels, clear nods to Colin Chapman’s masterpiece. The paint and the red vinyl interior are the result of an older restoration by the car’s long-term previous owner, one of just five. The work has held up well, with a few points for buyers to note in photos.

Under the hood there is a fully rebuilt 1,200cc Kent pre-crossflow engine. The work was done in 2025 and cost close to £8,000, including ancillaries and an upgraded carburetor. The car has covered few miles since completion. With a large history file, this Cortina MK1 offers a great opportunity to capitalize on all the recent mechanical investment.

The seller says:

“Engine professionally rebuilt with an upgraded carburetor. A real head-turner and a pleasure to drive. Previously used as a wedding car, which is testament to the way the car presents.”

Key Information

Mileage: 19,900 miles indicated (total mileage may be higher)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,198cc Kent pre-crossflow four-cylinder gasoline, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Large history file including engine rebuild receipt

The Detail

Older repaint from red to gray with red side stripes similar to Lotus Cortina design
Paintwork presents well for age of work with some localized areas to note in photos
Bodywork is straight and generally tidy for age of car
Some areas to note in photos such as base of doors and C pillars
Trunk floor as shown in photos
Steel wheels similar to Lotus Cortina with chrome hubcaps
Wheel rims, hubcaps and tires all present well in photos
Chrome front and rear bumpers with front quarter bumpers similar to Lotus
Some age to note to glass seals
Red vinyl interior reported to be an older retrim showing some patina
Some age to note to vinyl seats and door cards in photos
Age to note to dashboard with radio missing and auxiliary dials fitted
Engine recently rebuilt with photos provided

BEFORE YOU BUY

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