Ford Cortina Mk2 1600E Savage Replica

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One of the best-loved versions of the Ford Cortina appeared in 1967. The 1600E offered a unique blend of sports styling combined with a raft of luxury features thanks to its comprehensive specification.

Its sporting credentials came from the lowered, Lotus Cortina suspension and a high-tune GT 1600 Kent engine. Inside, luxuries included a woodgrain dashboard and door cappings, bucket seating and full instrumentation. A black grille, tail panel, front fog lights and plated Rostyle wheels distinguished it externally. Production ended in 1970 and despite attempts at reviving the idea of an ‘Executive’ version of other, later models, Ford never recaptured the original success of the Cortina Mk II-based 1600E.

First registered in November 1969, this Cortina began life as a standard Mk2 1600E but has latterly been transformed into a far more potent beast, a replica of the famous Cortina Savage that was made in small numbers by Jeff Uren in the late 1960s. A Ford saloon car racer and manager of the Willment team, Uren established Race Proven Ltd to build the Savage which basically ditched the 1.6 engine in favour of the 3.0 Essex V6.

The body of this car was fully restored in 2008/09 with many new panels and a new vinyl roof, as detailed in a photo album on file. Over the next few years it was fitted with a 3.0 Essex V6 engine and cradle coupled to a Cortina 2000E 4-speed gearbox and a 354 ratio RS2000 diff. A new Weber carb was fitted along with a Capri 3.0 aluminium radiator, custom heat-wrapped exhaust manifolds, electric fuel pump, Kenlowe fan, updated fuse box, braided stainless steel hoses, uprated suspension and much else besides.

The battery was relocated to the boot and an isolator switch fitted, while the engine was also converted to run on unleaded fuel. The original interior was refurbished and a sporty woodrim steering wheel fitted. Since the work was completed the car has been very little used, the last MOT having expired in July 2007, but was Crypton tuned shortly before the auction and is said to be running well, although we are advised that the clutch slips under load.

A real wolf in sheep’s clothing, it now just needs an enthusiastic new owner to get it recommissioned and back on the road where it belongs.