1977 FORD CORTINA 3.0S MKIV

ENGINE 2994CC/V6/OHV POWER 138bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 174bft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 8.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man MOT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 48,439 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This South African import differs from the UK version by using the full-fat Capri 3.0-litre engine instead of our tamer 2.3 lump, sacrificing smoothness for a harder drive that feels faster than it actually is. It has been further modified by way of Gaz-tuned suspension but the tauter chassis isn’t much harsher than a standard Cortina. The unassisted steering is naturally heavy and the brakes require a shove, perhaps due to harder performance pads. The four-speed gearbox slots easily between the four forward ratios.

BODYWORK CHECK

This car was originally yellow but re-sprayed in rather lurid Signal Green – an Escort Sport MKII colour option – as part of the restoration. It is truly immaculate and this includes the underside. The sports steel wheels (from an Escort RS2000) shod with new Ovation tyres have been refurbished and the correct ’S’ stripes and driving lights are

EXTERIOR

Immaculate Some questionable add-ons

INTERIOR

Excellent, thoughtful improvements

MECHANICALS

Drives much like new

fitted, but the front and rear spoilers are add-ons as is the removable slatted rear screen louvre.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The well-restored cabin features Capri S MKIII Recaro front seats that along with the door cards have been expertly tartan-trimmed both in the spirit of sporting Fords of that era and to complement the exterior colour. The four-spoke RS steering wheel is a delight, too. The only black mark – literally – is the headlining, which looks like it’s been painted to match the dashboard. There are some visible runs by the back screen but this would be easy to rectify. The heater fan only works on its slowest speed setting, too.

UNDER THE BONNET

It’s even better than the exterior under here and set off by custom Ford performance rocker covers although the V6 is standard, as signified by its stock air filter assembly. All of the fluids appear fresh and we could find no leaks. It has only had only three owners, the last in 2018, and this Cortina’s story is fully charted in a 2021 issue of a marque-specific magazine, which comes as part of the documented history file.

THE CCW VIEW

There are two ways of valuing this Ford. On the one hand it seems expensive for a Cortina MKIV. Yet on the other it’s almost a bargain when you take into account what similar RS Escorts or Capris sell for. It also evokes memories of the legendary Savage conversions but, being factory-made, a much more thorough package. Alan Anderson