The Mark 3 Ford Cortina encapsulates the 1970s like few other British cars. The best-selling car in the UK for several years of the decade, it wears its US styling influences proudly, from its ‘coke-bottle’ exterior saloon styling with fluted bonnet and four headlights to its steeply raked dashboard with instruments set deep within their binnacle.
 
This four-door example may look largely original when viewed from outside – it still features its original badging, including ‘1600’ badges on the wings and ‘XL’ boot badge – but underneath the bonnet it has received a major upgrade. A two-litre, 16-valve, fuel-injected Ford Zetec engine provides a sizeable power increase over the original unit; it is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The seller states that the engine runs well but would benefit from an oil change and filter service.
 
The seller says that they have had underside mechanical components – rear axle and differential, suspension arms, shock absorbers, front brake callipers and rear brake drums – painted, which can be seen in the accompanying pictures.
 
Outside, the bright gloss orange paintwork is consistent, with minor rust spots on the bonnet edge, lower front panel where it joins the wings. Some general wear can be seen, including minor scratches and dents on the boot lid and right-side rear quarter.
Inside, there is striking red quilted upholstery on the seats and doors, paired to the period-correct wood-effect trim. New touches include extra gauges, including an air/fuel ratio meter, a modern Kenwood stereo head unit and Maystar speakers on parcel shelf.

The seller reports the interior to be in overall good condition, with a tear on the right side of the driver’s seat back rest, wear to the parcel shelf coating in places, and stains on the roof headlining.
The car comes with some service history, and the seller states that it has been stored both in a garage and on a driveway under a protective cover. Advisories at the most recent MOT – valid until 13 November 2026 – were slight damage to the front-left tyre and play in the left-side of the steering rack end.
 
The seller reports that the car looks, sounds and drives very well, regularly undertaking journeys, checking fluid levels and conducting general maintenance.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.