Ford Cortina Mk2 1600E / GT

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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 cost 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.

In October 1966 a revised Mk2 version was launched with more squared-off styling by Roy Haynes. Top of the range was the sporting and luxurious 1600E which combined the lowered Lotus Cortina's suspension with the high-tune GT 1600 Kent engine producing 78bhp compared to the 60bhp of the Super. The interior was very well equipped with a burr walnut dashboard and door cappings, bucket seats, sports steering wheel and additional dash instruments, while a black grille, tail panel, front fog lights and plated Rostyle wheels featured outside.

Production of the 1600E ended with the launch of he Cortina Mk3 in 1970 and despite attempts at reviving the idea of an ‘Executive’ version of other, later models, Ford never recaptured the feel of the classic Cortina Mk2-based 1600E.

This particular car started out in life in August 1968 as a four-door 1600E but some years ago it was transformed into a two-door GT lookalike by noted Ford restorer, Barry Causey of Wigan. Looking wonderful in period Aubergine with a gold side stripe and a beautiful tan interior, it is said to be as good underneath as it is up top. The car is fitted with the desirable 711M engine and sits on the correct period 5.5J steel wheels.

Said to drive beautifully with an MOT until February 2016, it comes with a Haynes workshop manual, Cortina Mk2 parts list, but precious little history. Being offered here well below the price of an original GT, this sporting Sixties saloon is sure to attract lots of attention wherever it goes.

AMENDMENT: This car was converted from a four-door to a two-door but the earlier reference to a "Lotus Cortina spec" bodyshell may have been misleading. Bidders are advised to form their own opinion.