Highlights

Originally a California car, garage stored all its life
Completely resprayed in BMW platinum grey metallic
Engine completely rebuilt with performance upgrades
Some work still required to complete the project
Includes many spare parts such as brake linings and light lenses
Awaiting registration in the UK

The Appeal

Following the failure of the Edsel, Roy Brown Jr was banished to the department Ford seemed very content to forget - Ford of Britain in Dagenham. This was a designer, though, who was not one to mope - he pulled up his sleeves, cracked his knuckles and got to work on one of the best-selling cars in Britain - the Cortina.

Intended as cheap, easy and free of fuss, the Cortina perfectly summarised the changing British relationship with the motor car. People expected them to be useful, economical and to carry just enough character to capture the eyes - this was, after all, the era that would give us the Mini - and when it landed in 1962, the Mk1 Cortina slotted into the zeitgeist and changed everything. So much so that the now immensely redeemed Roy Brown managed to get back out of Dagenham in '66 swiftly!

This fine example stands out in that it spent much of its life in California, until it arrived on British soil in 2023. That dry-state history has led to a beautifully presented car, with all of its original body panels appearing free of any significant corrosion. It's recently been resprayed in a BMW shade of platinum grey metallic - which suits it to the ground - and boasts a Stage 2 upgraded engine with twin 40 carbs. Just a little more work is required to get it ready for the road - then it just needs registering!

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1965
Sold in 1966
Left-hand drive example
2 previous registered keepers
Purchased in 2011 in Oakland, California
Imported in 2023
No MOT and not registered in the UK
Comes with lots of invoices for new parts and work carried out
Garage stored all its life
Indicates 90,553 miles on a five-figure odometer
Provided with plenty of spares such as brake linings and light lenses

The Condition

All original body panels, with no signs of corrosion
Stripped to bare shell and resprayed in BMW platinum grey metallic
Resprayed areas include body, door shuts, under bonnet, and engine bay
Some areas of peel where the paint hasn't properly adhered
Brightwork carries some areas of patina, though far from intrusive #
Minilite alloys present very nicely
Underside looks in good, solid order
Mostly new interior including headlining, carpet, door cards (front and rear), seats, and dashboard
Everything is nicely presented with little sign of wear
Some patina to the handbrake handle
No sign of any rips or tears

The Mechanics

1.5-Litre 4-cylinder 'Kent' engine
Manual transmission
All new brake cylinders and front and back brake pads and linings
Complete new Ashley exhaust system
Needs battery, fuel pump wiring, and rev counter wiring before it can return to the road
Once work has completed and the car is registered, we're no doubt it'll be a fine classic

Engine completely rebuilt with the following features:

Stage 2 unleaded head
Twin 40 carburettors
Facet electric fuel pump
Fuel regulator
High pressure oil pump
A3 cam
New water pump
Adjustable timing chain
New alternator
All new hoses
Rebuilt radiator

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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ 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..