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Kiwis love their Cortinas and, for buyers who can no longer reach the heady market heights commanded by the iconic Mark 1, even the later models are edging upwards in value — if you can find a good one

Cortinas for all

The Cortina, spawned on 20 September 1962, was Ford’s answer to growing demand for a mid-sized model to take over from the Anglia-styled Consul and sit under the Zephyr Mk3. In fact, it was originally supposed to be called the ‘Consul 325’. However, Ford suits found inspiration for the new car’s new name in Italian ski resort Cortina d’ampezzo, adding a welcome touch of glamour and fun to a car for everyone from senior management to the factory floor.

In the eyes of Cortina fanatic and member of the Classic Cortina Car Club Blair Sands, it was the right car at the right time for the Blue Oval.

“In 1962, Ford just got it right. The Cortina was England’s affordable car for the people,” he says.

Cortina connection

Kiwis lapped up the Cortina like you wouldn’t believe, providing a strong and enduring base for its appeal as a classic. Whether a two-door, a four-door, or an estate, chances are you have known someone who commuted to and from the office in a Mk2 Super, who souped one up, or who worked hard enough to purchase a Lotus Cortina.

“For us growing up in the late ’60s to early ’70s, the Cortina was an affordable car, which, with a small amount of money, we could push out the performance of to achieve 100mph, the goal of most of us young guys then,” says Cortina fan Dave Watson.

Today, the Cortina, particularly the Mk2, is transitioning from an affordable classic to a blue-chip investment.

“Mk1 four-doors, whether a Super or a GT, are likely to fetch around the $30K mark these days. If you want an immaculate two-door, you are looking at between $50K and $60K and, if it’s a genuine Lotus Cortina, it’s going to be $100K plus. Even some Lotus replicas are changing hands for that much,” says Calvyn Snelgar, president of the Classic Cortina Car Club in Christchurch.

Mk2s are more down to earth in terms of price, with your average fourdoor changing hands for $25K to $30K. One of the most sought-after Mk2s has to be the 1600E, thanks to its loaded factory-options list and Lotus-tuned suspension. However, according to John Dorking from the Classic Cortina Car Club, it has a low profile here, as the locally produced GTE took its place in our market. “The 1600E is not well known in New Zealand for what it is, so getting hold of one of these would be a wise investment for the future,” says John.

Later versions

Mk3 Cortinas, whether a 2000E or a GXL, tend to fetch the same prices as Mk2s. However, the Mk3 and the often overlooked Mk4s and Mk5s, while relatively underappreciated for some time, are at last having their time in the spotlight. A tidy Mk4 or the Mk5 came out with just enough panel tweaking to be more than a facelift can be the most affordable way for most into classic Cortina ownership.

“If you can afford to spend the money on an Mk1 GT, for example, has it appreciated to a point where the growth is stagnating to a degree? One option is to look at the cost of a Mk3, where the purchase price may be less but the ability to increase in value is greater,” says Dave Watson.

“At the moment, a nice Mk5 2.3 Ghia can be purchased under $10K. The same can be said for Mk4s.

Ford suits found inspiration for the new car’s new name in Italian ski resort Cortina d’ampezzo

Again, I think the Mk3 is an underrated generation, but they seem to be growing in interest,” he adds.

The biggest issue now with buying a classic Cortina is finding one. Once they were a dime a dozen; now, cars on the middle ground between wrecks or cherished restorations are very thin on the ground. A quick trip through the classifieds reveals mostly shells or examples that need a substantial amount of work. If you are keen on putting a Cortina in your drive, get involved with clubs like the Classic Cortina Car Club, for members will be the best source of good examples.

What to look for

The biggest issue now with buying a classic Cortina is finding one

Well, according to Blair, Calvin, and Dave, in a word, rust.

“It’s English, so no matter how long it’s been here, check the wheel arches, sills, and the pillars for rust,” they say.

Another grey area is the subject of originality. Some examples have been subjected to an engine swap or have been made to look like more desirable models.

“If interested in any model, do your homework. Ask yourself, is the registration on hold? Is it an original GT or has it been rebadged? It’s also good to speak to owners of the model you are interested in and find out what they have had to rectify. None of these things are showstoppers, but they can help or determine the price or value,” says Blair.

There is no sign that the Ford Cortina’s iconic status is diminishing.

“As long as owners get out into the masses with their Cortinas, let everyone see them, and new younger owners keep buying them, the Cortina brand will stay popular and hold or increase its value,” says Calvyn.

The Kiwi love affair with the Ford Cortina runs deep, so investment in this motoring icon is certainly a safe bet.