Highlights

One of 26 GT estates built for Nairobi police
Fantastic and original unmodified survivor
Deluxe estate with 1500 GT 78bhp running gear
Beautifully preserved example in two-tone blue
Ready for its first UK buyer

The Appeal

What’s this, you may be saying. Perhaps you imagine we’ve really dropped the ball on this one. After all, Ford never made an estate version of its Cortina Mk1 in GT trim.

Or did they? The answer is, yes they did. For the Nairobi police. Those lucky boys in blue got 26 GT estates especially built for them by Ford. Each one was based on the top-of-the-range luxury Deluxe estate - only the best for those crime-fighters - and equipped with the running gear from the GT. That meant the 1,498cc Kent engine, delivering a healthy 78bhp, plus lowered sports suspension, wider wheels and a drizzling of sporting paraphernalia inside, including four auxiliary dials.

Few outside the tight circle of Cortina enthusiasts have ever known these cars exist. Few, if any, have ever reached the open market. This one is believed to have been used by the force’s Captain who was gifted it upon his retirement.

It spent its retirement in South Africa before being imported to the UK in 2024. Thanks to life in a dry climate, it is in astonishing original condition and shows a mere 55,000 miles on the odometer.

We doubt there’ll be another one like this along any time soon. This is the ultimate find for the many fans of Ford’s original Cortina. The history is fascinating and the condition is impressive.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 1965
Believed to be one of the 26 cars built for the Nairobi police force
This car is said to have been used by the Captain and gifted to him on his retirement
Subsequently spent its retirement in South Africa
Said to have been serviced regularly throughout its life
Vendor tells us that the displayed mileage is believed to be genuine
Requires first registration with DVLA – a straightforward process.
The vendor is a former South African resident and is more than happy to assist with the registration process
Vendor happy to handle the whole registration with the DVLA for the buyer for a small fee if requested
Car is currently on the water and due to land in the UK by 12/11/2024 and will be available for collection from Norwich, UK
All shipping costs and import taxes have been paid by the vendor
Car will undergo a voluntary pre-MOT inspection for the new owner prior to collection

The Condition

Incredibly rare deluxe estate 1500 GT as detailed above
Light blue paintwork in apparently original and highly preserved condition
Old English White side stripes with chrome surrounds
There are some light signs of age to the exterior but arguably, they add character
These include chips to door edges as shown
Sits on refurbished wide steel GT wheels with new tyres
Engine bay presents well with solid strut tops as shown in photos
Underside said to be in good order with no issues reported
Exterior chromework complete and in very good order with brightly finished bumpers
Panelwork is straight with good fit and no reported accident damage
Badged as a 1500 Deluxe with additional GT badges
Very smart and original unmodified GT interior in lightly patinated condition
Some signs of use and age inside as shown in photographs
These signs are light and do not detract and do not include obvious damage
Two-tone vinyl seats in good order with matching door cards which show light rippling
Light blue dashboard is well kept with metal finish and GT specification with four auxiliary dials
Unmodified car with original features but later LG-branded radio
Three spoke blue-finish Bakelite-style steering wheel
Blue carpets appear to be original and are well-kept with only light marks to note

The Mechanics

1,498cc ‘Kent’ 4cyl 78bhp GT-specification engine
4spd manual gearbox
Weber twin-choke carburettor with later air filter fitted
New exhaust recently fitted
GT specification, including lowered sports suspension
GT differential fitted
No reported running or driving issues
Displayed mileage is believed to be correct by the vendor

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.