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 vendor lists the following restoration work:
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
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 deposit. 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. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1965 Ford Cortina MkI Deluxe 'Pre-Airflow'
Make an offer
This seller is open to offers. Enter the amount you'd like to pay and if your offer is accepted, a member of the team will be in touch.
Under offer
This seller has accepted an offer.
Click the star to watch the listing and keep an eye on it in the favourites section of your account, or search for something similar.
