‘It’s amazing how affordable Cortina MkIs are’

‘ There’s a lot to like about the original Cortina; aside from its almost archetypal Sixties lines, its mechanical make-up ensures that it’s a consummate all-rounder. Even the original 1200 offers adequate pace, being a 1197cc three-bearing version of the one-litre Kent engine from the Anglia 105E, while the GT is arguably the first proper fast Ford. ‘While some are better appointed inside than others, all Cortina interiors are roomy – there’s more than enough room for four adults – while the facelifted cars of 1964 have a nicer cabin, which eliminates some of the original cars’ starkness.

‘With the Lotus models acting as halo cars, it’s amazing just how affordable examples of the Cortina MkI are – especially when you consider just how eminently tuneable they are, should you desire higher levels of performance.’