1966 Ford Cortina Mk1 – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 18.12.2019

Honest little Cortina needs a new home: 1.5lt reconditioned motor, presentable

The Blue Oval had big ambitions for the little Mk1 Cortina of 1962. Intended to help the British FoMoCo outpost maintain market share against new competitors such as the Hillman Minx and BMC Mini, while its own 105 Anglia grew increasingly long in the tooth.

It had its fair share of development ingenuity with 15% weight savings over the outgoing Anglia, and 20% fewer body parts.

Initially, the new Cortina adopted the engine architecture of the Anglia’s 1.0lt Kent engine, though it was bored out to 1.2lt. In 1963, the 1.5lt appeared on the options list while the Australian range was renamed as the 220 (standard 2-door), 240 (standard 4-door) and 440 (deluxe 4-door).

This final year 1966 Cortina Mk1 appears to be a four-door deluxe model; and appears to be a neat and honest little survivor.

The listing reads: "this Cortina has been lovingly driven everyday for the last 20 years".

The 1.5lt engine was reconditioned in 2017 and is said to drive beautifully; with the car presenting well overall in photos with a good and complete interior. The seller does point out the presence of a "little rust" in the body that needs attention.

The sale of the Cortina is accompanied by original Vic licence plates and original owner’s manual.

While it’s spent much of its recent life as a daily driver, it’s now seeking a custodian.

It’s based in Victoria and is listed for $15,000.

Check out the full listing here!

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