if they look worn.” Thanks to his experience as
a mechanic, Jim can have the engine removed
for inspection in just 30 minutes.
Such close mechanical attention also keeps
the transmission and running gear in fine
fettle. The differential has been recently
rebuilt, equipped with fresh bearings to
banish a worrying rattle, while the brake pads,
shoes and lines have been replaced to ensure
on-road dependability. Radial tyres feature
too, Jim choosing to prioritise usability over
absolute originality.Piling on the miles
The result is a car that can — and does — cover
as much mileage as many moderns. JimJim prefers his Cortinas as Dagenham intended,
with just radial tyres a nod to automotive progress.recorded 7500 miles last year and has already
put 3500 beneath the Cortina’s wheels in 2019.
During his 144,000 mile ownership, the Deluxe
has carried Jim and his wife on 14 Lake District
tours, all manner of club events and to every
show the car has ever entered.
“It drives really well,” he says, “it just plods
along at 50 mph. We always get there eventually
— it just takes rather longer...”
“People always ask me whether it’ll see
300,000 miles,” Jim concludes, “and I don’t
know. But I certainly have no plans to sell it.”
Whether it’s the bounty of rewards, the reams of
MoTs and service history or the ever-rising
number on the dashboard, this is one Cortina
which knows how to live large.The engine bay gets the most attention from
Jim, with the sump coming off the Pre-
Crossflow every winter to check for wear.“I OFTEN GET ASKED IF THE CORTINA
WILL EVER SEE 300,000 MILES...”
Originality abounds: right
down to the screenwash bag.We wanted to get a shot of Jim with his
600-plus trophies, but there wasn’t room...62 September 2019