Lot details
Registration No: TWC244E
Chassis No: BAG4FG52Y99
Mot Expiry: Feb 2011

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, the model 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 an 1193cc 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 reshaped MKII model of 1966 was penned by Roy Haynes and, though fractionally shorter than the original car, offered more interior space. A new five bearing 1300cc version of the ubiquitous 'Kent' engine was introduced at the outset, while a 1600cc variant with cross-flow cylinder head followed a year later.

The suitably registered 'TWC 244E' is a righthand drive two-door MKII model from 1967 that has been tastefully upgraded to resemble a Cortina Lotus. Finished in the classic livery of white with green side stripe, it certainly looks the part on what we are told are the correct 51/2J wheel rims. It is powered by a Type 14 1,998cc Ford twin-cam engine that drives through a five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. The original steering box has been replaced with a rack and pinion unit, while bigger brakes help counter the extra power. This fast Ford is MOT'd into February 2011 and taxed until the end of October, and is described by the vendor as "a well sorted car that performs, handles and stops better than the real thing".