The Ford Cortina is an iconic car that has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry in the UK. First introduced in 1962, the Cortina quickly became a best-seller and remained in production for over two decades. In this article, we will explore the history of the Ford Cortina in the UK and its impact on the British motoring scene.
The story of the Ford Cortina began in the early 1960s when Ford was looking to replace its popular but outdated Ford Consul. The company’s engineers and designers began working on a new car that would be stylish, modern, and affordable. The result was the Cortina, which was unveiled in 1962.
The first Cortina was a simple, no-frills car that was designed to appeal to the average family. It had a sleek, modern design that was ahead of its time, and it was priced to be affordable for the average person. The Cortina was an immediate hit, and it quickly became the best-selling car in the UK.
Over the next two decades, the Cortina underwent several redesigns and updates. In 1964, the Mark II version was introduced, which was larger and more powerful than the original. The Mark III version followed in 1970, and it featured a more aerodynamic design and a range of new engine options.
The Mark IV version of the Cortina was introduced in 1976, and it was the most popular version of the car. It was larger and more comfortable than its predecessors, and it was available in a range of models, including a sporty two-door version and a luxurious Ghia model.
In the 1980s, the Cortina faced increasing competition from Japanese imports, and its popularity began to decline. Ford decided to replace the Cortina with the new Ford Sierra in 1982, which was a more modern and sophisticated car.
Despite its eventual decline, the Cortina remains an iconic car that is fondly remembered by many in the UK. It was a car that was designed for the average person, and it was affordable, reliable, and practical. It was also a car that was ahead of its time in terms of design, and it paved the way for the modern family car.
In conclusion, the Ford Cortina is a car that has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry in the UK. It was a car that was designed for the average person, and it became the best-selling car in the UK. Over the course of two decades, the Cortina underwent several redesigns and updates, and it remains an iconic car that is fondly remembered by many. The Cortina will always be remembered as a car that was ahead of its time and that played a significant role in the history of the British motoring scene.
When buying barn find cars, or any project cars, many people want to know how much a restored version of their potential purchase is worth. This helps when costing out the viability of the project, although some of us don’t see cars as something that can be ‘priced’ – we spend far more money than we should and value the fun we get from transforming the abandoned vehicle!
Possibly the best place to check prices is Ebay, where everything is transparent. If we’ve done things right, and there are any for sale, you should see some prices for a restored Ford Cortina below.
Don’t forget to log into your Ebay account, too, and check the ‘Completed Items’. That way, you can see any that have recently sold….
