About this specific vehicle
FOR SALE
A Mk1 Ford Cortina 2dr Standard Fleet Model featured in Jeremy Clarkson’s, The Grand Tour.
EQUIPMENT
All steel integral construction, safety glass all round, zero torque locks, sealed beam headlamps, childproof locks, Aeroflow ventilation, single-tone horn, safety steering wheel, padded armrests, driver sun visor, speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, main beam, ignition, temperature and indicator warning lights. Toggle switch for headlights and panel lights, choke control, ashtray. Factory Options; Heater and demister. Dealer options; Front seatbelts.
EXTERIOR
The eye-catching styling of the Mk1 Ford Cortina still holds universal appeal today and was Ford of Britain’s global success story. When Jeremy Clarkson reviews the Ford Cortina Genesis in The Grand Tour Funeral for a Ford, this actual car is the first chapter in what is easily the most important book in British motoring history! (Click Here). Finished in period Purbeck Grey, (Code CH), this example is used to the limelight having been the recipient of numerous MK1 Cortina Owners Club awards including National Supreme Champion. The name Cortina is proudly on display on the bonnet and on the boot lid too in an elegant script style and the underside is beautifully detailed for the show circuit. Distinguishing features of the Fleet Model are all clearly visible, (or not, due to their omission!), and include the body colour grille and extractor louvres on the rear roof for the Aeroflow ventilation system, normally chrome on De Luxe and Super models. A proven celebrity, a proven national winner and one of the rarest Mk1 Cortina’s to survive, can it get much better?
INTERIOR
Simple, elegant and immaculately presented in all respects. The PVC upholstery to the deep foamed filled seats finished in Ravenna Red, (Code B413), are unmarked along with the door cards and plastic washable headlining. Being a Standard Cortina Saloon Fleet Model, the flooring has a basic rubber covering, no door operated courtesy lights, only one sun visor and no opening front quarter windows. To further emphasise the simplicity of this rare model, the water temperature gauge has a pictorial gear location diagram! The ornate deep dished safety steering wheel is unmarked and circular cowled instruments all function along with the optional heater and demister. A proven class winner and very obvious to see why.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Prepare to be amazed at the splendour of this immaculate show winning example with the 1200cc engine sparkling clean and producing 54bhp. Simple proven and robust mechanics make this a tinkerers dream and the original vehicle identification plate is still attached. The four-speed gearbox is light, precise and an absolute joy.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Simple pressed steel wheels with mirror finish and unmarked chrome hubcaps are shod in matching branded 155/80 R13 tyres with ample tread including the spare correctly recessed in the rear nearside wing. Front disc brakes and drums to the rear to a very good job of stopping the vehicle.
HISTORY FILE
Once Britain’s best-selling car, the Cortina Saloon or Fleet Model was marketed by Ford as ‘offering outstanding performance with economy; the lowest cost car in its class. An ideal vehicle for everyday business or for the family man who wants maximum saloon-car space at minimum cost.’ Discovered languishing in a garage in 1986 by Graham Dobson, the delight that this 1966 Standard Cortina 2 Door had escaped the sporting Lotus conversion was immense. Correctly identified by the BA71 chassis number the Mk1 Ford Cortina Owners Club have established this as one of just 34 UK Fleet Models known to exist. In comparison, 486 Lotus Cortina are known to the Club! (Source: Marc Gimmel – Cortina MK1 Register). Highly regarded within club circles and owned by James Clarke since 2014, (the once proud owner of a concours 4dr Fleet Cortina KGF Classic Cars also now own), this example has scooped up all the awards including National Supreme Champion and Best Rare Model. Such is the impeccable condition and rarity it was also nominated to feature in the hit television series The Grand Tour with motoring TV personality, Jeremy Clarkson, (Click Here). One for the absolute Ford fanatic.
MOT October 2024, HPI Clear.