Ownership Verified: My 44 -year old antique ['70 Cortina "GT"]

Posmo

I'm a piano until proven otherwise
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
4,203
Location
Finland
Car(s)
'86 Sierra iS, '70 Cortina, '90 Sierra, '04 RS182
I've always wanted an older car. One of those older models that you just don't really see on the roads anymore. Back when I bought the iS (my first car), I couldn't really afford one, and didn't trust myself (rightfully so) to buy a full on project. And when I bought the E-max, I had even less money, and back then I needed a reliable daily driver, so buying an old bag of bolts was not possible.

Well, I currently have no need for a car in my commute (and the fact that I have a commute means I have quite a bit of disposable income), so I don't really need a daily driver. Also after working on a friends Escort mk 1 for a few months I really, really wanted something older to pootle around in.

Thus, I proceeded to browse car ads more and more.. Mostly older Fords and some other makes as well. For some reason I really had my mind set on a mk1 Cortina. I went to look at one of them on a whim last week, and after being disappointed with the condition of it, started looking at later Cortinas. Well, the next day went to view a mk 2 after work, and well, yeah, this has now taken up space in the already crowded driveway:


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It's a 1970 Ford Cortina 1600 Deluxe

Basically, it's a good condition car that has been left sitting for a long time. A lot of the seals have perished and the paint is like sandpaper, but the bodyshell is really very good for a car that has spent it's life in Finland. It does need some welding, but it's nothing in comparison to my Sierras which are over 15 years younger.

Paid 1200? of my relatively hard-earned euros for it, which, when looking at the interior sounds like a really low price:

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So, what's the catch? Well, this:

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I'm going to have fun filling that void up though :)



Plans for the car? some minor brake and suspension upgrades, a thorough checking over, a new engine, and then MOT it as soon as possible. My hands are itching to get in on some of that sweet classic car motoring :p
 
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Nice.

Are you gonna put in a correct engine or something else?
 
Out of interest, where was this particular car assembled?

Not 100% sure, but Im guessing Dagenham. I can check it if you'd like.
 
It does look in remarkably good condition if it's been sitting and the interior looks great. I'm looking forward to seeing this project progress. :)
 
This is extremely cool. I do prefer the Mk2 over the Mk1.
 
This is extremely cool. I do prefer the Mk2 over the Mk1.

I believe that puts you in the minority. I did prefer the mk 1, but now obviously the mk 2 is superior, since I have one.


And you will be happy to hear that the car will retain a Kent Crossflow engine, with some period modifications. I have some very nice late 60's DCOE's ready for it :)

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Btw, if anyone on the forums has a spare 70's aftermarket tachometer, pm me :)
 
:thumbsup: :D Love old classic Fords. I want one of my own some day.

I did one of my usual spit-takes when I read this btw:

It does need some welding, but it's nothing in comparison to my Sierras which are over 15 years younger.

I obviously consider this to be an oldtimer, and a Sierra is certainly not only 15 years younger. Then I did the math and... alright, I guess you're right. Wow. The Sierra looks so modern inside and out compared to a mk2 Cortina that it's hard to wrap my head around.
 
Yeah, I'm blown away by the 15 year difference... Anyway, awesome car and I can't wait to see it running with those carbs!
 
Not 100% sure, but Im guessing Dagenham. I can check it if you'd like.

Probably right, looking at the build plate, it's the same as a post 1965 English one, and I think it reads a 'A Ford Product Made in England'. :)

It's a Dagenham Dustbin!
 
The condition of the seats is rather impressive. Though that pales in the face of you having a 44-year-old Ford which hasn't decomposed. For a moment I thought you paid too much given that there is no engine. On the other hand, even if it had an engine, it would probably need replacing or a full rebuild anyway. This is gonna be good.

EDIT: What's the mileage on it? Can't be much.
 
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This purchase is approved! :thumbsup:

Although it does look better in the rain, but that's fixable. :p
Interior looks well for the age too.

:smile:
 
Great find. I love the look of those vintage British Fords. Hopefully you'll get an engine for it soon.
 
The original might be iconic, but I too prefer the MK2. It's a better car overall, and I just like how you can see how the later Fords evolved from the styling.

Needless to say it looks like quite a find, and I now even more jealous of your collection.
 
The UK Motor show at Earls Court London - 1967

Brief glimpse of the new Mk. 2 Cortina at around 4:00 and lots of other period stuff shown too.
(Including a Ford GeeWhiz type electric car.)

:smile:
 
"Very cheap. Very Japanese"

The semi casual racism and sexism is rather amusing. :lol:

"Think of the woman behind the wheel, he'll drink, she'll drive, that's the way! :lol:

Anyway, I got 2 engines and gearboxes with the car, which will yield some useful parts. I'm wondering now whether a lightened and balanced std. 1600 kent engine can take 8000 rpm? The conrods look to be of a very good design (for the time at least), but I'm unsure about the pistons. Conrod bolts will certainly need to be changed.
 
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