Description
Cortina Mk1 (Airflow): Rare Fleet Model/ Prize Winner
The Cortina was launched just before the London Motor Show of 1962. Using the project name “Archbishop” Ford of Britain created a family saloon that could be manufactured in large numbers in a variety of guises in competition with the Morris Oxford/ Austin Cambridge, Vauxhall Victor and Hillman Minx.
Available with 1200cc and 1500cc overhead valve (pre-cross flow) engines and a variety of body/ trim options today rust-free examples of Mk1 cars are scarce and well preserved/ restored examples are highly regarded with values rising steadily in recent years.
Summary of Car:
History:
· A Supreme Champion Mk1 Ford Cortina 4dr Standard Fleet Model (the only one known to the Mk 1 Cortina Register) with full history from new.
· Ordered on the 2nd May 1966 by Mr Clifford Chambers, a British Forces Headmaster posted at Johor, Malaysia through the Holly Motor Company Ltd as detailed on the new car invoice in preparation for his return to the UK.
· The Ford Motor Company Ltd Dagenham release document confirms the specification and delivery to Regent Street for UK first registration on the 22nd June 1966. Owned by Mr Chambers and his wife for the next 45 years
· In readiness for Mr Chambers next posting to Germany he also ordered continental headlamps, (now replaced with genuine Lucas items), and an anti-theft steering lock totalling £3. 85!
· The car made the trip to Germany in 1967 and the Townsend Car Ferries window sticker is still on the windscreen
· History file contains all invoices from new, Green Logbook, every V5, Stamped Service Book (Sparkes Garages Bristol), Drivers Handbook, Tax Discs since 1967, all MOT’s – one of the best we have ever seen.
Mechanical:
· Always maintained to the highest standard, the Cortina drives like a three-year-old car – she is simply lovely.
· 1200cc engine/ 4-speed gearbox
· Standard exhaust
· Electronic Ignition
· Matching 145/ 80 R13 radial tyres
Body:
· Recommissioned by an enthusiastic owner around fifteen years ago
· Resprayed to an extremely high standard in original Purbeck Grey (Code CH)
· Underside of car/ wheel arches are body colour and as good as the top
· Detailed engine bay
· Fleet model front grill/ sidelights/ rear air flows – the grey headlamp surrounds are with the car.
· Brightwork is excellent
Interior:
· The Ravenna Red (Code B413) seats/ door cards are excellent
· Rubber floor mat and non-opening front quarter-lights
· Original steering wheel/ basic instrumentation
· Heater (extra when new)
· It is like stepping back to 1966!
Conclusion:
Today this super-rare Cortina is one of the rarest, sharpest and best driving Mk 1’s that you could wish to own – the pictures do not lie - and has only been sold to make way for another Milestones purchase.
A must have car for any serious Ford collector she is ready to use, enjoy and win prizes. Viewing is strongly recommended.
