Highlights

• Recent engine rebuild and cylinder head upgrade with hardened valves and valve seats for modern unleaded fuel
• 'Pre-Airflow' model, highly favoured among Cortina collectors
• Almost fully rebuilt with many original features preserved

The Appeal

Ford of Great Britain owes a great deal of its past success to its relatively loose ties with Detroit. If Ford USA had been in charge of the UK arm, it's likely Ford would have failed miserably on this side of the Atlantic as the reality is we Brits need a very different sort of car to what works in America. There's no room for gas-guzzling "land yachts" here, we needed cars like the Cortina - a Ford that was entirely home-grown here in Blighty.

Early "pre-Airflow" examples are rare and increasingly sought after among Cortina collectors so we're delighted to offer this 1965 example. Having undergone comprehensive restoration work, this MkI is a superb example that's said to be as good to drive as it is to look at. A recent engine rebuild and unleaded cylinder head conversion ensures it's eminently driveable, while the restoration has been sure to retain many original features, like the "flappy paddle" indicator and light controls.

This is one of those cars that makes you smile. It'll make a great addition to any garage.

History and Paperwork

• The V5C shows the current owner to be the 3rd registered keeper
• Being a pre-Airflow model, it is from the original Cortina series before the change to Airflow ventilation
• The previous owner had stripped the car for parts
• The history of the car is unknown prior to the current restoration and the vendor used a donor car to rebuild this one
• Since ownership, the car has been kept in a dry shed
• True mileage unknown - 66,981 miles indicated

The Condition

• The car is almost fully rebuilt as it was practically a bare shell when the vendor acquired it
• The body looks remarkably clean and free of visible corrosion
• The car was painted a few years ago and touched up more recently where necessary 
• The paint is very good, with only minor defects and blemishes visible
• Some parts used come from a later model Cortina, although it is commendably original overall
• Boasts many period features, including the flappy paddle indicator and light controls
• The front seats do not adjust easily as they come from a two-door model, and brackets had to be fabricated to secure them

The Mechanics

• 1.6-litre (1,600cc) Ford X-flow engine freshly re-bored with new rings and pistons; unleaded petrol safe with hardened valves and valve seats
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Larger front disk brakes and callipers from a Ford Capri for better braking
• The vendor states that it  has easy steering, the brakes are good, and the car pulls up in a straight line
• The gear shift reportedly takes some getting used to as the gearbox gates are worn

• The vehicle was stripped down completely, including the rear axle and front struts
• New starter motor
• Refurbished distributor
• New (Weber) carburettor and air filter
• The radiator and the cabin heater unit have been re-cored
• Replacement refurbished petrol tank
• Brakes serviced with new pipes, master cylinder and shoes/pads
• Chassis and underside fully sealed
• New suspension bushes all round & new front shock absorbers
• New tyres all round
• Some welding was done to the floors and outriggers
• The car was thoroughly sealed inside and underneath before being rebuilt

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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