1966 Ford Cortina MKI 1500 GT

Registration No: GTA 686D
Chassis No: BA77FJ54770
MOT: May 2023

• Regsitered new by The Highland Garage of Exmouth, Devon (supporting photos on file)
• Retained by its previous keeper for twenty-seven years
• Much improved during the current ownership with attention to the body, engine and gearbox etc
• Increasingly sought after and seemingly rarer than a Lotus Cortina!

A halfway house between the standard 1500cc models and the twin-cam engined Lotus Cortina, the 1500 GT was not only some thirty percent more powerful than its lesser siblings but also featured improved suspension and front disc brakes. Though the Lotus became one of Ford’s all-time great competition cars, the GT was no mean performer with examples notching up memorable wins on the track and in the forest.

First registered on May 13th 1966 by The Highland Garage in Exmouth, Devon, this now very rare two-door 1500 GT would appear to have had just two owners prior to 1989 when it passed to Mr Jamison of Mill Hill, North London. Acquired by Mr J Waudby of St Albans two years later, he kept the Ford until 2018. During this period, maintenance was carried out by Pan Autos of Harpenden (invoices on file) with the Cortina and its custodian being regular participants in local Classic Tours / Shows. The present keeper acquired the GT some four years ago as an early retirement project and has spent considerable sums with his local bodyshop, garage and specialist suppliers such as Burton on improvements and upgrades. A number of panels were replaced and the bodyshell largely bare metalled and repainted. The accompanying history file contains a wallet with photographs attesting to this work. Additionally, both the engine and gearbox have been overhauled with a new clutch and thrust bearing being fitted for good measure. The speedometer and rev counter have been refurbished and the fuel tank and sender replaced. A brake servo has been installed together with a Gaz shock absorber conversion kit, suspension lowering kit, half bumpers and 4.5-inch reverse rim steel wheels to give ‘GTA 686D’ the ever popular 'Lotus' look! Having brought this stunning GT back to its former glory with several sensible improvements, the vendor has now been tempted by another project and offers the fruits of his endeavour to the next fortunate custodian!

PLEASE NOTE: This lot is not fitted with half bumpers as stated in the printed catalogue

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737

PLEASE NOTE: This lot is not fitted with half bumpers as stated in the printed catalogue