Ford Cortina MkI
ENGINE 1498cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 64bhp@4600rpm TORQUE 85lb ft@2300rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 81mph 0-60MPH 19.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-31mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 23,359 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The steering is light and wellbalanced, there are no rattles or clonks on rougher stretches of road and the Kent engine feels as though it has plenty of life left in it, with no misfires or signs of rough running. There’s a pronounced thud when you slot the steering-mounted selector for the three-speed auto into Drive, but otherwise the system works well and kickdown operates as intended. We experienced no juddering or squealing from the brakes, which bring the car to a sharp halt without pulling to either side. It’ll happily cruise at 6065mph without complaint, and the temperature gauge, once up to the halfway point, shows no signs of overheating.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Ermine White paint on this previously restored 1500 Super shows a clean, even finish throughout, with no signs of bubbling, cracks or surface rust. There are a couple of drill holes on the passenger door where the mirror should be, , but otherwise the bodywork is solid, with the correct badging and brightwork in good order.
The 13-inch wheels are free of scuffs and shod with matching Tracmax tyres – fitted in 2016 – that still have plenty of life in them. The spare is well past its sell-by-date, though.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
There are a few very minor blemishes – including on the steering wheel boss and both door card embellishments – and the carpet looks a little tired, particularly around the centre console, but there are no rips or marks. There’s no discoluration or tears to the black vinyl seat trim and there’s no sign of sagging headlining. All of the dials and instruments work as Dagenham intended, and none of the trim appears to be missing.
UNDER THE BONNET
Cosmetically it’s not as well-kept under here as the rest of the car. The radiator in particular looks as though it’s been doing its job for quite a while and the mechanicals have a grubby appearance. That said, there are no signs of any fluid leaks, the oil is at the correct level and a healthy golden colour and there’s no emulsion present on the underside of the oil filler cap, suggesting that the cylinder head gasket is sound. The history file contains plenty of old bills for previous servicing items – including more than £1500 worth of work carried out in 2011/12 – and previous MoTs. The car will be sold with a full, voluntary MoT.
THE CCW VIEW
This is by no means the cheapest route into Cortina MkI ownership and there are a couple of minor cosmetic details that a devoted owner will want to tidy up, but the way this example drives suggests that the 23,000-mile odometer readout is genuine – it feels like a Ford with plenty of life left in it. Definitely worth a closer look.