1971 Ford Cortina (Mk. III) 1600 L
Offered directly from its one and only owner!

Registration No: HCH 115K
Chassis No: BABFLY25937
MOT: Exempt

• Offered directly from the one and only owner!
• Unmolested and highly original example
• Always garaged throughout the vendor's ownership, and retired from main car service in the early 1980s
• Supplied with the original sale invoice and V5C showing zero former keepers

Introduced in 1970, the Cortina Mk. III was a departure from its predecessors in many ways. It featured a modern, aerodynamic design with a distinctive coke-bottle shape, a departure from the boxier styling of the Mk. II. The Mk. III was longer, wider, and more spacious than its predecessors, offering increased interior room and comfort for passengers. One of the most significant advancements in the Mk. III Cortina was its suspension system. Ford replaced the Mk. II's cart-sprung rear axle with one located by trailing arms, improving ride quality, handling, and overall stability. This innovation set the Mk. III Cortina apart from its competitors and contributed to its reputation as a capable and enjoyable car to drive.

Not many family cars can say they are still driving after 50 years and have never been restored, but this exemplary Cortina 1600 L is one of the few that can. It has had only one owner from new and, despite being in regular use until the early ’80s and covering several long-distance trips abroad, it evidently has not had a hard life. Originally sold through Ford main dealer T. C. Harrison Ltd. of Derby on 1st August, 1971, the price new was £839.50 plus £209.68 purchase tax.

The Cortina has always been garaged and, after it fell out of regular use, the owner recognised that it was worthy of preservation and started using it for pleasure trips and classic car shows. It has faithfully completed a tour of Scotland plus many visits to France, and over time it has not so much aged as matured. It remains splendidly original and unmolested; the interior and paint are wonderfully preserved, with just a light patina. Even the T. C. Harrison sticker remains intact in the rear window and original number plates are in place. Offered with the V5C, original sales invoice and a spare fuel tank, this is a very special survivor which deserves to be cherished, and is sure to generate lots of attention wherever it is shown.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452