Ford Cortina

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Ford Cortina
Manufacturer	Ford of Britain
Production	1962-1982
Predecessor	Ford Consul Classic
Successor	Ford Sierra

The Ford Cortina is a medium sized family car sold by Ford of Britain in various guises from 1962 to 1982.

The Cortina was Ford's mass-market midsize car and sold in enormous numbers, making it common on British roads. It was replaced in 1982 by the Ford Sierra. In other markets, particularly Asia and Australasia, it was replaced by the Mazda 626-based Ford Telstar, though Ford New Zealand did import British-made CKD kits of the Ford Sierra estate for local assembly from 1984.

The Cortina was produced in five generations (Mark I through to Mark V— though officially the last one was called the Cortina 80) from 1962 until 1982. From 1970 onward, it was almost identical to the German-market Ford Taunus (being built on the same platform) which was originally a different car model. This was part of a Ford attempt to unify its European operations. By 1976, when the revised Taunus was launched, the Cortina was identical. In fact, this new Taunus/Cortina used the doors and some panels from the 1970 Taunus.

All variants of the Cortina sold over one million, with each successive model proving more popular than its predecessor. Such was its fame in the UK that the BBC Two documentary series Arena once devoted an edition to the car and its enthusiasts.

1 Mk I (1962-1966)
2 Mk II (1966–1970)
3 Mk III (1970–1976)
4 Mk IV (1976–1979)
5 Mk V (1979–1982)
6 Sales Success
7 Racing and rallying
8 Other cars using Cortina engines
9 Non-United Kingdom sales and manufacture
10 Cortinas in popular Culture
11 External links

[edit] Mk I (1962-1966)

Cortina Mk I

Production	1962-1966 933,143 units
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door saloon estate
Engine	1.2 and 1.5 L Straight-4
Related	Lotus Cortina

Notable models were the Lotus Cortina and Cortina GT. Available with 1.2 L and 1.5 L engines in 2 and 4-door saloon and 4-door estate forms. Standard, Deluxe, Super and GT trims were offered but not across all body styles. Estates offered the option of fake wood side and tailgate trim, aping American-style estates, for a short time. There were two main variants of the Mk 1. The Mk 1a possessed elliptical front side-lights, whereas the Mk 1b had a re-designed front grill incorporating the squarer side-lights. The dashboard, instruments and controls were also revised.

The engines used across the Mk 1 range were of identical design, differing only in capacity and setup. The formula used was a 4 cylinder pushrod (Over Head Valve) design that came to be known as the 'pre-crossflow' version as both inlet and exhaust ports were located on the same side of the head. The most powerful version of this engine (used in the GT Cortina) was 1498cc (1500) and produced 78bhp. This engine contained a different camshaft profile, a different cast of head featuring larger ports, tubular exhaust headers and a Weber double barrel carburettor.

Lotus Cortina models were solely offered as 2-door saloons all in white with a contrasting green side flash down each flank. Lotus Cortinas had a unique 1.6 L twin cam engine by Lotus, but based on the Cortina's Kent OHV engine. Aluminium was used for some body panels. For a certain time, it also had a unique A-frame rear suspension, but this proved fragile and the car soon reverted to the standard Cortina semi-elliptic rear end.

[edit] Mk II (1966–1970)

Cortina Mk II

Also called	Hyundai Cortina (1968-1970)
Production	1966-1970 1,159,389 units (UK)
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door saloon estate
Engine	1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 L Straight-4
Designer	Roy Haynes

Again, a Lotus version was produced (this time done in-house at Ford) but the most admired was the 1600E that came out in late 1967.

The engines were at first carried over, but for 1967, they received a new crossflow cylinder head design, making them more efficient. At this time, they became 1.3 L and 1.6 L in size, with the Lotus Cortina continuing with its own unique engine. A stripped out 1.2 L version running the engine of the Ford Anglia Super was also available for some tax conscious markets.

Again, 2 and 4-door saloons and a 4-door estate were offered with base, Deluxe, Super, GT and later 1600E trims available, but again, not across all body styles and engine options.

The 1600E combined the lowered Lotus Cortina's suspension with the high tune GT 1600 Kent engine and luxury trim featuring a Burr Walnut woodgrain-trimmed dashboard and door cappings, bucket seating, sports steering wheel and full instrumentation inside, while a black grille, tail panel, front fog lights, a vinyl roof and plated Rostyle wheels featured outside.

For 1969, the Mk II range was given subtle revisions, with separate "FORD" block letters mounted on the bonnet and boot lids, a blacked out grille and chrome strips on top and below the taillights running the full width of the tail panel marking them out.

[edit] Mk III (1970–1976)

Cortina Mk III

Also called	Hyundai Cortina
Production	1970-1976 1,126,559 units
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door saloon estate
Engine	1.3,1.6 and 2.0 L Straight-4
Wheelbase	101 inches (2578 mm)
Length	168 inches (4267 mm)
Width	67 inches (1714 mm)
Height	52 inches (1320 mm)

The Mk III Detroit-inspired "coke bottle" shaped Cortina was a hit amongst fleet buyers. It replaced both the Cortina Mk II and the larger, more expensive Ford Corsair by offering more trim levels and the option of larger engines than the Mk II.

Ford UK originally wanted to call it something other than Cortina, but the name stuck. Although the Mk III looked significantly larger than the boxier Mk II, it was actually the same overall length, but 4 inches (100 mm) wider.

Trim levels were now Base, L (for Luxury), XL (Xtra Luxury), GT (Grand Touring) and GXL (Grand Xtra Luxury). 1.3 L, 1.6 L and 2.0 L engines were offered, the 1.6 L having two distinct types - the Kent unit for models up to GT trim and a SOHC Pinto unit for the GT and GXL, the latter of which was also offered in 1600 form for a short while. 2.0 L variants used a larger version of the 1600 Pinto unit and were available in all trim levels except base.

Four headlights and Rostyle wheels marked out the GT and GXL versions, while the GXL also had bodyside rubstrips, a vinyl roof and a brushed metal and black tail panel on the GXL and plain black one on the GT. All models featured a downward sloping dashboard with deeply recessed dials and all coil suspension all round. In general styling and technical make up, many observed that the Mk III aped the Vauxhall Victor FD of 1967.

In late 1973, the car received a facelift. Outside, there were revised grilles, rectangular headlights for the XL, GT and the new 2000E which replaced the GXL. The 1.3 L Kent engine was carried over but now, 1.6 L models all used the more modern 1.6 L SOHC engine.

Inside, the car received a neater dashboard that no longer sloped away from the driver's line of sight and upgraded trim. The 2000E reverted to the classy treatment offered by the 1600E instead of the faux woodgrain trim offered by the GXL.

From 1972, the third generation Cortina was the most popular new car in Britain. The Mark III was never sold in the U.S, although it was available in Canada until 1973.

[edit] Mk IV (1976–1979)

Cortina Mk IV

Also called	Hyundai Cortina
Production	1976-1979 1,131,850 units (including Mk 5)
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door saloon estate
Engine	1.3, 1.6, 2.0 L ' Straight-4 2.3 L V-6
Designer	Uwe Bahnsen

This Cortina had a conservative square-shaped style, this time imitating the Opel Rekord D, but this was largely appreciated by fleet buyers. Generally a rebody of the Mk III, as an integration of Ford's model range, this car was really a rebadged Ford Taunus. Many parts were carried over, most notably the running gear - and even the dashboard design.

This series spawned the first Ghia top-of-the-range model, which replaced the 2000E. The 2.3 litre Ford Cologne V6 engine was introduced in 1977 as an engine above the 2.0 litre Pinto engine, already a staple of the Capri and Granada ranges. The 2.3 was available to the GL, S and Ghia variants.

2 and 4-door saloons and a 5-door estate were offered with all other engines being carried over. There was a choice of base, L, GL, S (for Sport) and Ghia trims, again not universal to all engines and body styles. The dashboard was carried over intact from the last of the Mk III Cortinas while the estate used the rear body pressings of the previous 1970 release Taunus.

Throughout its production life, the Mk4 was the most popular new car in the United Kingdom. Despite this, it is now the rarest of all Cortinas, largely due to its popularity with banger racing drivers.

[edit] Mk V (1979–1982)

Cortina Mk V

Also called	Hyundai Cortina
Production	1979-1982 production - see Mk IV
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door saloon estate
Engine	1.3, 1.6, 2.0 L ' Straight-4 2.3 L V-6

The Mk V was announced in September 1979. Officially it was known as 'Cortina 80', although the Mk V tag was given to it immediately on release, by the press, insiders and the general public.

A large update on the Mk IV, it was really a step between a facelift and a rebody. The Mk V differentiated itself from the Mk IV by having revised headlights with larger turn indicators incorporated (which now showed to the side too), a wider slatted grille said to be more aerodynamically efficient, a flattened roof, more glass area, slimmer C-pillars with revised vent covers, larger, slatted taillights (on saloon models) and upgraded trim.

Variants included the regular Base, L, GL, GLS and Ghia variants, although various 'special editions' were announced, including Calypso, Carousel and Crusader, the Crusader being a high-volume version that saw the car towards the end of production.

By this time, the Cortina was starting to feel the competition from a rejuvenated (and Opel influenced) Vauxhall, which with the 1981 release Cavalier J-Car, was starting to make inroads on the Cortina's traditional fleet market, largely helped by the front wheel drive benefits, of weight and grip.

Up to and including 1981, the Cortina was the best selling car in Britain. Even during its final production year, 1982, the Cortina was still selling well despite competition from the front-wheel drive hatchback Vauxhall Cavalier. On the continent, the Taunus version was competing with more modern and practical designs like the Talbot Alpine, Volkswagen Passat and Renault 18, but the brand image of Ford's blue oval ensured the Cortina was a success in virtually every country where it was sold.

The very last Cortina - a silver crusader, rolled off the Dagenham production line in July 1982 on the launch of the ultramodern Sierra.

1982 was also the year in which the Cortina lost its title as Britain's best selling car, having held that position every year since 1972. It was still selling well though, and the number one position had been taken by another Ford product - the Escort.

[edit] Sales Success

The Ford Cortina was a very popular car in Britain throughout its lifespan. In 1967, it interrupted the Austin/Morris 1100/1300s reign as Britain's best selling car. From 1972 to 1981, the Cortina enjoyed an unbroken run as Britain best selling car every year. Its key rivals in the 1960s were the Morris Oxford and Austin/Morris 1800, during the 1970s it was competing with the Vauxhall Cavalier, Austin Maxi and Morris Marina. At the end of its life it was facing stiff competition from the more advanced and practical second generation Vauxhall Cavalier, but was still more popular.

The final incarnation of the Cortina was Britain's best selling car for the 1980 and 1981 calendar years, and combined with MKIV sales the Cortina also topped the sales charts for 1979. Even in 1982, when during its final year of production it was pushed off the top of the charts by the Ford Escort, the Cortina was still hugely popular with buyers.

The Cortina was also a very popular selling car in New Zealand throughout its production and continued to be sold new until 1984.

As recently as 1990, Cortinas were still a common sight on British roads, but by the year 2000 the vast majority of them had headed for the scrapyard. By August 2006, following a survey by Auto Express, it was identified as the second most scrapped car to be sold in Britain since 1976. Of the 1,065,682 MKIV and MKV Cortinas registered between 1976 and 1982, just 2,010 were still in working order - fewer than 1 in 500. It was second only to the Morris Marina, which had ceased production two years before the Cortina and fared even worse with fewer than 1 in a thousand still registered.

[edit] Racing and rallying

The Cortina also raced in rallies and Lotus did some sportier editions of the Cortina Mk 1 and Mk 2 referred to as the Lotus Cortina.

This car is, today, used for racing, because of its powerful cast iron engine. The car can have imported cylinder heads, with hydraulic valves, which give an enormous power boost.

[edit] Other cars using Cortina engines

The Kent engines used in the Cortina, being lightweight, reliable and inexpensive, were popular with several low-volume sports car manufacturers, including Morgan who used them in the 1962-81 4/4 (and continue to use Ford engines in most of their current models). The engines are also found in a number of British kit cars, and are still the basis of Formula Ford racing.

[edit] Non-United Kingdom sales and manufacture

The Cortina was also sold in other right hand drive markets such as the Republic of Ireland where it was assembled locally, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and South Africa. Mk III Cortina estates were adopted as police cars in Hong Kong. The Cortina was also assembled in left hand drive in the Philippines, in South Korea (by Hyundai) and in Taiwan (by Ford Lio Ho) until the early 1980s.

The first two generations of the car were also sold through American Ford dealers in the 1960s. The Cortina competed fairly successfully there against most of the other small imports of its day, including GM's Opel Kadett, the Renault Dauphine, and the just-appearing Toyotas and Datsuns, although none of them approached the phenomenal success of the Volkswagen Beetle. The Cortina was withdrawn from the American market when Ford decided to produce a domestic small car in 1971, the Ford Pinto, though it continued in Canada until the end of the 1973 model year.

The third generation Cortina was also sold in some continental European markets, such as Scandinavia, alongside the Taunus. A small number were exported to Japan, with the rear of the bodyshell compressed to make it narrower - this was because cars in Japan were taxed on width, and having a narrower body enabled the Cortina to avoid being heavily taxed.

[edit] Australia

In Australia, the Mark I Ford Cortinas sold well, helped by some outstanding successes on the racetrack. The most notable performances were in the Armstrong 500 at Mt. Panorarama in NSW where the Cortina GTs and GT 500s were outright winners from 1963 to 1965.

The Mark IIs continued the sales success, being offered in five different models - the 220, 240, 440, GT, and the rare 'L' luxury model which featured solid wood panelling on the dashboard and doors.

After the Mark IIs, Cortinas in Australia had a two-letter code beginning with 'T'. Hence, the Mk III was the TC, with a mid-life revised model called the TD. The Mk IV was the TE and the Mk V the TF. Models for the TC and TD were L, XL, XLE and for the TE and TF were L, GL, Ghia and S-Pack.

While the first two generations were similar to the British models, Ford Australia began fitting the 200 and 250 in³ six-cylinder engines as available in the Ford Falcon to the TC onwards in addition to the four-cylinder engines. The last of the TD, TE and TF models were fitted with the cross-flow head versions of these engines, referred to as 3.3 L and 4.1 L. To hold the larger engines, the chassis had reinforced side rails and center pillar, and a tubular crossmember support under the transmission. In addition, the firewall panels were shaped to accommodate the longer engines and wider bell housing, and were manufactured from thicker metal. This change was spread across the Cortina range so that the four cylinder models benefitted too. But this was not enough to prevent the additional front mass of the larger engines causing understeer resulting in poor handling by today's standards. Braking was also an issue under harsh conditions. However, Ford found enough customers to last to the end of the model's life in late 1981, when it was replaced initially by the smaller Ford Meteor (a rebadged Mazda 323 sedan) and then the 1983 Ford Telstar sedan/hatchback range.

The TC six cylinder model had twin headlights which distinguished it from the four cylinder. The TD was identified by rectangular headlights. Both the TC and TD six cylinder models were immediately recognized over the four cylinder versions by the raised 'power' hump in the center of the hood. Basic transmission for six-cylinder models was a three-speed manual floor shift with an optional four-speed Borg-Warner transmission available, taken straight from the Falcon GT. Also available was a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic.

In 1973 to 1974, Ford Australia proposed a three-door coupe version of the Cortina, in order to compete with the upcoming Holden Torana hatchback. It would also be a local Capri replacement. This car would have used the Pinto tailgate and other parts from around the world (such as the longer 2-door Cortina doors). However, Ford rejected the idea, as a unique model, particularly a small coupe for Australia could not be justified on cost grounds.

Also on cost grounds, there was a proposal in 1975 by Ford Australia to simply facelift the TD (Mk3) series Cortina for 1977, rather than introduce the Mk4. A prototype facelift was made, however Ford instead went with the Mk4 (TE).

The TE (Mk4) was released in 1977, and the TF (Mk5) was released in 1980. The TE and TF had minor exterior differences to the Cortina models sold elsewhere. Bumpers were the most noticeable differences (larger steel bumpers for the TE, rubber RIM moulded for the TF), while the TE had additional indicators in the front wings. Another example was that the TF's front numberplate was mounted below the front bumper, further distinguishing it from its European Mk V counterparts.

The Cortina generally was seen by the motoring press as outdated, and buyers generally preferred the rival products - a stark contrast to New Zealand, where the Cortina was a highly regarded success.

In the late 1970s, the Cortina wagons were built in Renault's local Heidelberg factory in Melbourne, (now closed), as Ford Australia's own factories did not have the capacity. For the last year of Australian Cortina production, 1981, a Ghia wagon was produced.

[edit] New Zealand

The New Zealand Cortina range generally followed that of Britain. Overall CKD assembly ran from 1962 to 1983, at Ford's Lower Hutt (Seaview) plant.

The New Zealand Mk4 Cortina range, introduced into local assembly early in 1977, was very similar to that offered in the UK - a main specification difference however was the use of metric instrumentation, and that only 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon models were offered. Engine sizes of 1.6 and 2.0 litres were available. The 2.0 L was a very popular fleet vehicle and the transport of thousands of sales reps in NZ over the years.

Additionally there were limited imports of Australian Mk4 Cortinas, equipped with both 2.0 four-cylinder engines - with more emissions control equipment than the UK-souced cars - and the Falcon's 4.1 six-cylinder engines.

The Mk5 range was introduced early in 1980, a considerable range that featured 1.6 base, 2.0 L, 2.0 GL, 2.0 Ghia, 2.3 V6 Ghia, and 2.0 L wagon variants. A 2.0 S model was introduced in 1982, as well as a 'van' - a Cortina wagon without rear seats aimed towards fleets.

All 2.0 models had the option of automatic transmission, and with the 2.3 V6, it was the only transmission offered. A unique option, offered under guarantee by a dealership, South Auckland Ford, was a turbo fitment.

The Ghia models were reasonably equipped, complete with wood panelling - the 2.3 V6 models featured imported alloy wheels. Ford "Rostyle" steel rims were fitted to all 2.0 GL, Ghia and S models, optionally on the other models. New Zealand Ghia models however did not feature a steel sliding sunroof (fitted as standard on UK Ghia models), although some models did feature an aftermarket sunroof.

Unlike Australia, the Cortina was always a popular car in New Zealand, and was missed by many when it ceased production in mid 1983 after Ford NZ had scoured the globe for surplus assembly kits, a number of which came from Cork in Ireland. Wagons remained available until 1984. The Cortina range was finally replaced in New Zealand by the 1983 Ford Telstar range and the 1984 Ford Sierra wagon.

[edit] South Africa

In South Africa, the Cortina range included V6 'Essex' engined variants, in both 2.5L and 3.0L forms. From 1971, a locally designed pickup truck version (known in South African English as a 'bakkie') was also offered, and this remained in production after the Cortina was replaced by the Sierra.

The Cortina pickup was exported to the UK, in a lengthened wheelbase form, as the P100 until 1988, when Ford divested from South Africa, and a pickup truck version of the Sierra was introduced.

[edit] Cortinas in popular Culture

The notorious Stander Gang of bankrobbers operating in South Africa in the 1980's used a 3.0L Cortina Mk5 as a getaway car. The car is also prominently featured in the movie about the gang, starring Thomas Jane as Andre Stander.
The Mk3 (and in later episodes Mk4) model Cortina featured regularly in the popular 1970s television series The Sweeney, usually as the Granada's backup.
Various Cortinas were shown throughout episodes of The Professionals. A number of Mk3 models were destroyed by villain characters, while Mk4s and Mk5s especially were seen being utilized by various CI5 agents, including Bodie and Doyle. In fact, a number of Mk5 models were seen (maybe for publicity in part by Ford) in 1979 episodes, literally upon their release!
A 1977 Mk4 Taunus 2.3 Ghia made a brief appearance in the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, driven by villains in pursuit of Bond. It proved to be no match for Bond's Lotus, and ended up being driven off a cliff, landing into a farmhouse. The 2.3 V6 engine had just been introduced to Cortina range in 1977 and featuring this car in the film would most likely have been a publicity stunt by Ford.
A silver Mk2 Cortina is driven by Michael Caine in the 1971 film Get Carter.
DCI Gene Hunt played by Philip Glenister drives a MkIII 2000E rebadged as a GXL in Life on Mars. The car itself was recently sold on ebay in aid of comic relief, ending at a staggering £12,800
A Cortina, this time a 1982 L model, also appeared in the 1983 Sean Connery James Bond spinoff Never Say Never Again, driven by an officer. Unfortunately the hapless officer is distracted by a woman in a Mercedes-Benz coupe, who proceeds to throw a snake into the Cortina, which throws the driver offtrack, flipping the car through a brick wall. The woman is then seen placing a bomb in the car, which she then detonates, blowing the remnants of the Cortina skyhigh.
Various Cortinas can be seen on the car lot of Arthur Daley motors during the opening credits of the popular television series Minder.
A Cortina Mk5 is shown in The Full Monty, an irony being that it is actually mostly submerged in the middle of a canal. Three of the lead characters (including Robert Carlyle) are shown standing marooned on its roof, during an attempt to get out of a locked factory. There is no mention in the film on how the car got there.
The car is namechecked by Elton John in his 1995 song "Made in England" in the line, "I was made in England, like a blue Cortina". A sky blue Cortina Mk1 is shown in the music video.
A blue-black-rust coloured 1978 Ford Cortina 1.6 GLS Mk4 makes frequent appearances in British television series Keeping Up Appearances; the car is driven by Onslow and his family and is notorious for backfiring whenever it starts or stops.
A blue Ford Cortina Mk. V is driven by Father Ted Crilly in the Popular Channel 4 series Father Ted.
A Cortina Mk5 is seen being crashed into the back of a VW Passat wagon in the video for Travis' 2004 single "Walking in the Sun".
A pink Cortina Mk4 convertible is seen in the video for Aqua's 1997 smash-hit "Barbie Girl".
The Cortina is also referenced in the song "Grey Cortina" by the Tom Robinson Band.
The Clash reference the Cortina in their song "Janie Jones." The protagonist of the song must work a job because his "Ford Cortina just won't run without fuel--fill'er up jacko!"
The Jam mention the Cortina in their song "Saturday's Kids." Saturday's Kids "drive Cortinas, fur trimmed dashboards..."
A New Zealand band is named "Cortina".
Subhumans (UK band) also reference the Cortina in their song "Apathy" off of their 1985 LP, Worlds Apart.
New Zealand rapper MC Dubstar recorded a song "Cortina", all about his Cortina's deficiencies.
Chris Malone has the largest Collection of Cortina GT in all of North America.
Ian Dury mentions the Cortina in his song "Billericay Dickie". "had a love affair with Nina, in the back of my Cortina".
Rumpole of the Bailey frequently alludes to his bread-and-butter, down-and-out clients who traffic in stolen "clapped-out Cortinas."
In the early 1990s, more than a decade after its demise, the Mk4 Cortina earned something of a cult status among TV comedy.
"he's got a Ford Cortina, that just won't run without fuel" if a line from The Clash song Janie Jones from their first album released in 1977.
Sir John Betjeman famously wrote, in his poem 'Executive'...

"I am a young executive. No cuffs than mine are cleaner;
I have a Slimline brief-case and I use the firm's Cortina.

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Ford Cortina

Preceded by:
Ford Consul Classic

Succeeded by:
Ford Sierra
Ford Telstar (Asia-Pacific)
Hyundai Stellar (South Korea)

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