FORD CORTINA MARK 2 1600 GT 1968

motodrome are pleased to offer this 1968 Ford Cortina 1600GT, finished in red with black interior, set off by minilite-style alloys.

A late Mark 2 Series 1 1600GT 4-door, this example was built in South Africa. The climate there is much kinder to a car structurally, and, on inspection of the bodyshell, it doesn’t appear to have had any welding repairs, although has obviously been repainted at some point in it’s life in the southern hemisphere.

It was imported into the UK from South Africa by the last owner in 2020, and he says he carried out the following:

• New window, door, and rear light rubber seals

• New carpets

• Engine removed and given a top-end overhaul including new valves, head gasket and water pump

• New electronic fuel pump

• Steering box overhauled, with new bearings.

When it came to us in Spring 2023, it looked as it does now, but there was still quite a lot to do mechanically to make it right. It therefore disappeared into our workshop for long time, and recently emerged following major work as follows

• Full carburettor overhaul

• 1600GT crossflow engine given a proper service and tune (we think it has a high-lift camshaft fitted)

• Brake overhaul including new front calipers and pads, new rear shoes, and new brake pipes all round

• Handbrake system rebuilt

• All underside fluids (and antifreeze) checked and replaced where necessary.

It’s very good indeed bodily, and the interior is pretty good too. Mechanically it now drives (and stops) as well as you’d hope

Odometer reading 89900 miles, and it’s tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt

Everyone of a certain age has happy memories of an old-skool Ford, and a real 1600GT is one of those cars that will start a conversation every time you stop.

On our own website, you’ll find our usual 2 comprehensive videos – walkaround and driving, which form part of the description

based near Henley on Thames, viewing by prior appointment