1967 Ford Cortina 1600 – Project Profile

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Chris Pollitt

Back in the 1960s, Vauxhall and British Leyland were doing their best to woo us in the showrooms. However, there was only one brand for many, and that brand was Ford. Their cars were exciting, they were fast (by the standard of the day) they were good looking and they were affordable. Ford also offered a car for every buyer from the person needing a runabout, through to the person looking for a sports coupe, through to the executive looking to make other executives jealous in the office car park. And of course, let us not forget the person looking for perfect family transport. 

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For that buyer, the car of choice was of course the Ford Cortina. Originally introduced in 1962, the Cortina was a revelation in family transport. It was spacious, it was comfortable, it was practical thanks to being available in estate guise, it was handsome and it was an absolute joy to drive. The first Cortina was a sales hit, and cemented the name into the public consciousness. The second-generation Cortina, introduced in 1966, took the good work of the Mk1 and ran with it. 

The Mk2 was, like the Mk1, a versatile car. You could have it in two-door, four-door or estate guise. There were small engines for pottering about, or there were powerful engines for the true petrolhead – looking at you, Lotus Cortina. There was also the mighty 1600E, with the E standing for ‘Executive’. This was the one to have, with lowered Lotus suspension, extra gauges, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and Rostyle wheels. It was the daddy. 

The 1600E, however, would go on to be a sought-after classic. As such, prices have gone skyward and it’s now near impossible to find one that’s not hard on the wallet. Don’t be disheartened, as we’ve found a MK2 Cortina that has the look of a 1600E, but for a fraction of the cost. Spanners at the ready, it’s this week’s Project Profile…

What is it? 

Well, we should probably start by saying what it isn’t. And it isn’t a 1600E, but don’t be put off. It has the right 1600 engine, and it has the right wheels, so it has the look of a 1600E. Plus, as this is a project, there is nothing to stop you building this one into a 1600E clone. A lot of the trim and pain needs replacing or renewing, so why not upgrade the car in the process? 

This 1600 seems to have lived a slightly confused life. It has the wheels from a 1600E, yet it seems to have the seats from an XR2, a pool ball gear knob and an aftermarket steering wheel. It was obviously someone’s ‘hot rod’ once upon a time. 

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It’s difficult to say what spec the car would have been originally. Going off the wood cappings and the rear seats, we would err on the side of it perhaps being a Deluxe, though it’s anyone’s guess at this stage. It wasn’t a 1600E though, as it doesn’t sit low enough and the dash is lacking the additional bank of four gauges in the centre. 

Why is it a project? 

The old Ford has fallen into neglect in recent years. The vendor states that the car does indeed run and drive, which is good. However, he also goes on to say it’s been laid up for at least four years and as such, will need some welding. But then, it’s an old Ford, so welding was always on the cards. The floor, outer sills and the front valance are all reported to need attention, but you can bet it will need more. However, the strut tops – a known weak spot – look to be reasonably solid, as do the doors, the pillars and the roof. 

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Aside from the welding, the car needs completely going over. The paint needs to be redone, the interior is mismatched and needs a full retrim, the engine and mechanicals will need a thorough service and clean, and the electrics will probably want looking at, too. 

It sounds like a lot of work, granted. However, this is an old Ford, so there is a huge following and as such, parts aren’t too difficult to get hold of. Certainly, Ex-Pressed Steel Panels will be able to furnish you with almost anything you may need to fix the body. Interior stuff might be harder to get hold of, but mechanical stuff will be easy given the popularity of the crossflow 1600 engine. 

Five things to look for:

1) Rust

As we suggested above, this is a Ford so there is going to be rot to deal with. The question is how severe is that rot? Floors, sills, boot floor, bulkhead, scuttle, rear arches, inner front arches, they all rot. Look thoroughly to see if it’s worth taking on.

2) Electrics

You should never take the electrics for granted on any old car, especially not one that has fallen into disrepair. In reality, this car will need a new loom making. But in the meantime, check there are no obvious shorting issues. 

3) Bodges

This poor old Cortina has been modified in the past, and that means there is the potential for significant bodgery. How have the front seats been fitted? Can originals go back in? Has anything else been modified? And have those modifications damaged anything? 

4) Paperwork

The vendor states that the previous owner had a private plate on the car, as such, this Cortina is awaiting a new registration. Check the paperwork thoroughly and make sure the car can indeed go back on the road. 

5) Engine

The vendor states the engine runs, and the 1600 crossflow is a hardy little unit. However, you still need to check it for leaks, check the condition of the coolant for signs of corrosion, check the oil for any emulsification. 

What should you do with it? 

It’s pretty much a blank canvas as it stands. You could take it in any number of directions. Being a four-door, the most obvious would be to build a 1600E clone. However, the old Ford scene is huge and it is alight with ideas around modification. You could drop a modern Zetec in, you could lower it, you could go full ‘fast road’ specification, you could go completely mad and put a YB turbo engine in there, you could build a track car, or of course, you could just restore it to Deluxe specification. The only limit with an old Ford is your imagination. Whatever you do though, it’ll be money in the bank given this car is just £2,500 and the market for decent Cortinas is very strong right now.

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