Checklist

1962 - 1971 FORD CORTINA MARK 1-2

BODY/CHASSIS Rust attacks the floors, sills, lower mudguards and behind the headlights on the Mark 1. Once it gets into the fire-wall and MacPherson strut towers, repair costs may become uneconomic. Rear corners on Mark

1s were difficult to properly repair and some were reshaped using kilos of bodyfiller. Replacement panels are available from UK suppliers and local stockists have body rubbers, glass, chrome and rust repair panels. Replacement bumpers, grilles and new early tail-lights are difficult to find but window fittings are available. Secondhand rear lights for either series can cost $150 each with new Mark 1 lens sets at $75 per side.

ENGINE/ TRANSMISSION

‘Kent’ overhead-valve engines are among the most durable powerunits of the 20th Century and need only basic maintenance to deliver long lives.. Clattering at start-up is likely to be nothing more than tappets needing adjustment but be wary of exhaust smoke from engines that haven’t been run in a while and may have cracked or sticking piston rings. Everything needed for a complete engine rebuild is still available from local suppliers and relatively cheap. The Mark 1 column gearshift can be sloppy due to worn linkages so make sure gears engage easily. Clutch shudder is a symptom of wear but can point to tired gearbox or engine mounts.

SUSPENSION/ BRAKES

Unless the front strut mountings and rear spring hangers have suffered rust damage or poor repairs, everything under a Cortina is easy to replace or upgrade. Worn front strut inserts cause the car to bounce over bumps, worn bushes generate noise and transmit vibration through the steering wheel. Strut inserts cost $300-500 per pair. Cars with disc front brakes are recommended in preference to those with drums all-round (should any still exist) and parts for the conversion are available.

INTERIOR/ ELECTRICS

There’s not a great deal to go wrong in the sparse Cortina cabin. A car with ripped seats can be cheaply retrimmed, door hardware and electrical equipment including replacement gauges are available. Sets of new GT door trims cost $400-500 and interior carpet sets are less than $300, With bench-seat cars, check that the seat moves squarely on the runners. Small parts like GT gauges and/ or replacement interior light can cost more than $200 each second-hand. A new interior mirror in its original box was seen at over $800.