52 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE
Ford first applied the Cortina name to its medium-sized family saloon
in 1962, sticking with the tried and tested mechanical formula of front
engine/rear wheel drive, McPherson Strut independent front suspension
and a live rear axle from the original Mark 0 to the final Mark V. The
Cortinas conventional specification did it no harm whatsoever, the model
dominating its market sector for 20 years.
Launched in two-door 1,200cc form, the Cortina first became available
in four-door configuration in October 19 2 and in January 19 3 the
original was joined by the 1,500cc Cortina Super, which boasted bigger
brakes and a heater as standard equipment. Revised instrumentation
was one of the first maQor changes made, in September 19 3, while prior
to that Ford had introduced the first performance version: the 1500 GT,
which arrived in April of that year. Boasting a Cosworth camshaft, front
disc brakes, wider wheels, and a remote gear change, the 1500 GT
had 7 bhp on tap, which was good enough for a top speed of around
92mph. The 1500 GT outsold the Lotus Cortina by a factor of more than
20:1, yet far fewer of the former survive today.
This stunning 1500 GT was purchased from an executors' sale in 2013.
Its discovery was featured in Classic Cars magazine, and the Cortina
was subsequently restored by Autos Restorations of Newchapel, Surrey.
Carried out to 'better than new' standard, the rebuild was completed in
2016 and the car comes with an illustrated album recording the entire
process, which consumed some 3,100 man-hours and cost in excess of
£65,000. Noteworthy features include a roll cage, rally seats to the front,
and a Halda Tripmeter'DAF 947C' also comes with its original logbook, service booklet, FIA
papers (Touring Car Class, 1992), RAC Competition Logbook (1993),
and a quantity of expired MoTs issued prior to 19 4. Currently SORNd,
the car is MoT'd to July 2017 and has a V5C registration document.
Undoubtedly the best of its kind currently available.
£25,000 - 30,000
€29,000 - 35,000- Rare survivor of this sporting
Ford model - Purchased in 2013
• Restoration completed 2016 - Fitted with roll cage, rally seats,
and Halda Tripmeter
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1965 FORD CORTINA MKI 1500GT
SPORTS SALOON
Registration no. DAF 947C
Chassis no. BA77EA40705