Ford Cortina Mk5 Crusader

In 1979, the ever successful Cortina received yet another update. It was enough for Ford’s mid range saloon to retain the mantle as the UK’s best selling car until 1982, an achievement which the model had maintained in straight years for a decade. In any event, as it was toppled from the ‘top spot’ by the Escort, it probably didn’t unduly concern Ford's management.

The Mk5 had a new, wider grille, flatter roof and even more glass area than its predecessor, surviving until the controversial yet hugely successful Sierra was unveiled. The old model thrived thanks to a number of limited edition, added value models.

The last, final and most successful limited edition Cortina was called the Crusader and was available with a 1.3-litre Kent engine or larger 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre Pinto units. Over 30,000 Crusader special editions were sold, the plush upholstery and excellent value making sure that the vital fleet market continued to appreciate the winning formula.

This highly original 1982 1.3-litre Crusader was purchased by the vendor’s uncle from Ford dealer Ravenhills in Commercial Road, Hereford. Specified in Titan Blue and Strato Silver with Shark Grey upholstery, the first owner used it regularly until he stopped driving at the age of 84. During this time it had accumulated a mileage of just under 69,000 miles, the niece adding just a few miles since, lack of use now being the primary reason for sale.

The accompanying service booklet has 18 stamps to 60,603 miles in 1999, with invoices on file showing regular servicing from St. Martin's Motor Services until 2006. MOTd until July 2014, it was last serviced in July of this year at which time it was given a new exhaust at a cost of £170. It comes with an ‘Autodata’ repair manual, the operating guide and a period Cortina Accessories Guide.

The vendor advises us that although the radio does not function, the rest of the car runs and drives beautifully, adding that “the rear seats have probably never been sat in”. From one family ownership, this rare survivor still has less than 69,000 miles on the clock and comes with an amazing service history – just as you like to find them.