FORD CORTINA

Using the project name 'Archbishop', management at Ford of Britain in Dagenham created a family-sized car that they could sell in large numbers. The chief designer was Roy Brown Jr., the designer of the Edsel, who had been banished to Dagenham following the failure of that car. The Cortina, aimed at buyers of the Morris Oxford Farina and Vauxhall Victor, was launched on 20th September 1962.

This 1963 Cortina is a highly collectible and rare early Mk1. Originally supplied in France, this car spent its entire life there before coming to the UK and undergoing a full three year restoration in 2015.

The restoration truly left no stone unturned, with the owner (and restorer) being a garage owner himself. The complete shell was stripped completely and glass-blasted. Any necessary metalwork was carried out before the shell was etch-primed, given a zinc primer, followed by three coats of red oxide and then finished in its factory Ermine White. A light coat of stone chip protection was applied to the front for additional peace of mind. Mechanically, all suspension components were renewed, and the engine was reconditioned (including the all-important unleaded conversion). The buzzy 1,198cc engine was rebuilt, as were the gearbox and rear axle, both receiving new bearings and seals.

Aldridge Trimming handled the new headlining and door cards, while, remarkably, the rest of the interior remains original.

It presents today just as it did when restored, having incurred very minimal wear over the last few years. Even when shown locally, the car was typically transported to events.

Whilst there is no history from France to verify the extraordinary 48,554km (30,170 miles) displayed mileage, the odometer was certainly not replaced during the restoration and the front seats are believed to be original. The original steering wheel and a pair of original French number plates are also included with the car.

Offered here in perfect running order and ready for weekend fun, the vendor has enjoyed every moment with the car. However, due to a lack of space, he sadly has to reduce his Collection. Whilst registered as a historic vehicle and therefore not obliged to have an MOT, it carries a long ticket until October this year for extra for extra peace of mind.

Location: Cornwall

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional