Ford Cortina
ENGINE 1498cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 64bhp@4600rpm TORQUE 85lb ft@2300rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 81mph 0-60MPH 19sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT July 2018 ODOMETER 46,087 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Cortina starts, drives and stops superbly. Straight into first and there’s a slight clutch judder (cue the chorus of ‘they all do that!’) but the car accelerates smoothly through the rest of the gears. The engine warms up quickly from cold and the car cruises happily in modern traffic. We can’t remember a MkI with more precise steering than this – there’s little play and it corners well, even on the wet roads during our test. The ride quality suggests all is well in the suspension department too – again, try to find a find a better Cortina MkI in this respect. The steering feels light, as does the clutch. The brakes are more than adequate and free from squeals and judders.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car retains almost all of its original paintwork, which is in excellent condition, with few scratches, never mind dents or corrosion. The panels are all as fitted by the factory, the doors all open and close perfectly, and the glass gleams like new. A small amount of welding has been carried out on the rear Almost all original paintwork Brightwork excellent Stunningly original and excellent inside First class throughout lower quarter panel under the bumper, but to a good standard. The small patch of primer here just about matches the car’s colour so you wouldn’t spot it instantly. There are a couple of miniscule areas on the sills and rear wheelarches where the paint has deteriorated – but there is no surface rust. The car’s brightwork is original down to the wheeltrims and Ford foglights, and in excellent condition. New Mentor tyres have been fitted all round.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This Cortina’s interior is breathtakingly original and in excellent condition. Faults are limited to a tiny amount of fraying on the edging material around the driver’s door and fading on the carpets. The lovely red seats haven’t any marks and haven’t sagged, the headlining is pristine, the door trims are as new, as are the instruments and the interior paint. There’s an asnew Ford radio, the cast toggle switches are unsullied by age, as is the instrument panel wood.
UNDER THE BONNET
Everything is as it should be. The car has recently been treated to a new carburettor. There has been some welding around the top of the offside MacPherson strut, but the work is to a high standard. The engine, even after a good run, showed not a sign of overheating. The oil and coolant look clean and we could find nothing amiss. The car has just been thoroughly serviced.
THE CCW VIEW
Here is one rare find – a delightfully original MkI Cortina, and a rare early model with a ‘Consul’ bonnet badge. The car is one-family-owned, and has just been recommissioned and MoT’d. There are very few faults, and don’t let any of these put you off. PROS Rare, early Cortina in original condition CONS Full service history has gone missing