1973 Ford Cortina 2000 GT

Lot details
Registration No: SFT127M
Chassis No: BABFNB39063
Mot Expiry: Aug 2012

With very few Cortinas still in everyday use, it is hard to believe that the model was by far Britain's best selling car throughout the 1970s - available in two and four door Saloon or Estate versions, it literally dominated our roads. Five generations were produced between 1962 and 1982, each of which notched up over a million sales. For the first two years, the car was called Consul Cortina, linking it to previous Ford models and the Consul Classic and Consul Capri that were sold in the same period - the Cortina moniker was inspired by the Italian venue for the 1956 winter Olympics, Cortina d'Ampezzo. At introduction the car was powered by a 1,200 cc three-bearing version of the company's already well-known four-cylinder, OHV 'Kent' engine, though the option of a five-bearing 1500cc unit followed within months. Initially the mechanical specification echoed that of the proven Anglia, with four-speed manual gearbox, drum brakes all round, MacPherson strut front suspension and live axle mounted on leaf springs at the rear, and recirculating ball steering. The second incarnation appeared in 1966, bringing a wider body and track, smaller turning circle, softer suspension, self-adjusting brakes and clutch and the option of a new five-bearing 1300cc engine. A year later, the bigger capacity engine grew from 1500cc to 1600cc and gained a more efficient cross-flow cylinder head. In 1970, the MKIII 'coke-bottle' Cortina replaced both the MKII Cortina and the Corsair. Front suspension was now by wishbones rather than MacPherson struts. Although the same length as the MKII, the newcomer was four inches wider and had a three inch longer wheelbase, all of which led to a more spacious interior. The engine options were 1300cc, 1600cc and 2000cc; the latter being an enlarged version of the SOHC 1600cc Pinto unit.

The smart-looking MKIII on offer is a 1973 2000GT model finished in distinctive Daytona Yellow complemented by a Black vinyl roof and interior. 'SFT 127M' was apparently in the same family ownership for nearly thirty years and has only had two keepers since. Ziebarted from new, the once pale green bodyshell was found to have survived remarkably well when the Cortina was restored about three years ago. The original 'tombstone' seats are said to be in "excellent" condition, as is the rest of the interior; including the period Ford radio. The only changes from the original specification are the electronic ignition, four branch exhaust manifold, and the Type-9 Ford five-speed gearbox which makes for effortless motorway cruising.