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Ford Cortina MkI GT

Ford Cortina MkI GTFord Cortina MkI GTFord Cortina MkI GTFord Cortina MkI GTFord Cortina MkI GT
Lot number 20
Hammer value N/S (est. £12,500 - £14,500)
Description Ford Cortina MkI GT
Registration 8746 VB
Year 1963
Colour Dark Green
Engine size 1,499 cc
Chassis No. Z77C105451L
Engine No. 122E/2233

As the 1960s dawned, BMC were revelling in the success of their new Mini – the first successful true mini-car to be built in Britain in the post-war era. 

Management at Ford in Dagenham felt that they could not develop a similar small car to the same scale as the production costs would be too high, so instead they set about creating a bigger family car which they could sell in large numbers. The result was the Cortina, a distinctively-styled car aimed at buyers of the Morris Oxford and Vauxhall Victor, that was launched in September 1962. A massive success from the outset, the car confirmed Ford's reputation for offering a lot of car for the money.

Available with either a 1.2 or a 1.5-litre engine in two-door and four-door saloon and estate forms, it came in Standard, Deluxe, Super and GT trim levels. The GT appeared in Spring 1963 with lowered suspension and the engine tuned to 78bhp as opposed to the 60bhp claimed for the 1500 Super. Some 933,000 MkI Cortinas of all types were sold before it was replaced by the MkII in 1966. However, according to DVLA figures, just 53 MkI GT Cortinas are still road registered in the UK, making this car a very rare survivor.

First registered in May 1963, this GT was made in only the second month of production so it has nice early features like a strip-type speedo and a rev counter in a pod on the steering column, items that were changed after about six months of production.

A desirable two-door model, it has been in the current fastidious ownership for the last 26 years. The bodywork was restored some time ago and more recently the engine has also been rebuilt. The interior is totally original and nicely mellowed. Currently taxed and with an MOT until June, it is said to drive beautifully. It also comes with the original one-piece front bumper.

These GT models have become increasingly sought after in recent years and this lovely 50-year-old example looks like a shrewd investment at the guide price suggested today.

 

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