1970 Ford Cortina 1600E *Sold £18,200*

Description

• Three former keepers 
• In Gold 
• Many original features 
• Very good condition 
• Lots of paperwork 

The Ford Cortina 1600E achieved the perfect balance of tradition, style and pace. 

By the mid-Sixties, Ford UK had one aim – to be the best-selling cars in the UK. In the autumn of ’67 Ford launched its Executive class sports saloon, the 1600E for £982.  

The 1600E had the chassis strengthening and lowered suspension from the Dagenham-built Lotus Cortina MkII, along with the Cortina GT’s ‘Kent’ engine. It was packed with additional equipment too. 

History 

Our vendor Neil found this Cortina 1600E sitting forlornly at the back of a garage under a tarpaulin a couple of years ago. He knew the potential. A deal was done, and Neil set about a comprehensive rebuild. Have a look at the images and judge the end result for yourself. 

Mechanicals 

• 1599cc, inline four-cylinder Kent crossflow 
• Twin-choke Weber 32 DFM carburettor 
• 92bhp / 97lb ft of torque 
• Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive 
• Independent MacPherson struts and coil springs with anti-roll bar at the font 
• Live de Dion axle suspended via semi-elliptic leaf springs and trailing radius arms with telescopic hydraulic dampers at the rear 
• Front disc brakes, rear drums 

Original engine and gearbox. These were removed for the restoration but, with little mileage, were left in their original condition. New shock absorbers were fitted all round. The Macpherson struts were replaced. 

The 1.6 litre Kent engine always feels eager and crisp. With a sharp gearchange and road holding that belies the Cortina’s humble underpinnings, the 1600E was testament to just how right a mass-produced car can be when all the elements are carefully considered. 

Neil has confirmed that the odometer reading is 23,836 miles. He advised: I’ve no documentation to support this but I’m sure it’s correct due to the condition of the car.

Outside 

Added to that genuine performance element of the Cortina were the slim pillars and brilliantly proportioned lines, making the second-generation Cortina one of the smartest cars of its day.  

The matt-black grille, ‘Rostyle’ wheels and Wipac 562 auxiliary lamps give this Cortina 1600E a unique look. 

• Neil told us, “The exterior had a complete, engine out, strip and repaint” 
• The exterior finish is to a high standard 
• All the brightwork has been re-chromed by London Chroming 
• Those Rubery Owen Rostyle pressed-steel wheels with chromium-plating look smashing 

Although the 1600E had been stored for a while before Neil found it, the Cortina was in good solid condition. An example of that is the lack of necessity to weld the famous ‘top plates’ 

Have a look at the detailed shots in the Gallery. The fit, finish, panel gaps and shut lines are very good. For those of us that recall repairing these in their heyday, it almost looks better than the original Dagenham production’s line. 

Inside 

• Impeccable interior
• Black reclining bucket seats 
• Matching ribbed door cards in very good condition 
• Walnut trimmed dashboard and door caps 
• Those classic inset Smiths gauges 
• The 2nd generation 1600E, like this one, came with sculptured rear seats 
• New headlining 
• Map pockets in foot wells 

Neil tells us about how original this Cortina 1600E was before he began the work to get it looking like it does today. When he removed the carpet, he discovered the original corrugated inserts on the ribbed floor pan were still intact. He describes the interior now “as being like new”. He has a fair point. 

Summary 

Simply put – this is a gorgeous looking car. Once ubiquitous, there are now very few Cortina 1600Es around today. They come in all sorts of condition. We can confidently say ones like this are not at all common. 

Unlike most Fast Fords, the 1600Es have remained affordable. This one is reserved extremely sensibly. If this was your era, do not miss this opportunity.