Ford Cortina TC-TF/Escort 2.0 Litre
Australia had a long history of taking English and European designs and adapting them to suit our bigger distances and tougher conditions.
The six-cylinder TC-TD Cortina always had a struggle when taking on Holden’s Torana and the same situation prevails today. Only the 4.1-litre XLE is likely to match the money being achieved by basic LC-LJ Toranas, although some heavily-modified Cortinas have been advertised at more than $30,000.
| Buyer’s Guide: 1972-82 Ford Cortina TC-TF
Six-cylinder TE-TF versions are half the XLE price. ‘Pinto’ 2.0 engines became available across the local Escort range from 1978 and collectors are now keen on these cars.
Basic GL sedans and vans should cost around $14,000, with the Ghia 2.0 headed for $20,000. The RS2000 should also make $20,000 and above.
Cortina TC-TD Six $14,695 [3]
Cortina TC-TD XLE 250 $18,330 [3]
Cortina TE-TF Six $9585 [18]
Escort GL 2.0 $14,475 [10]
Escort Ghia 2.0 $11,975 [4]
Escort RS2000 $21,250 [4]
[*] = number of recorded sales
(Note: concours & special cars may demand more.)
Numbers from our 2019 Aussie Family Car Market Value Guide.
| Read next: Understanding our value guides