1975 Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E *Sold £14,900*

Description

• Fully restored
• Invoices in excess of £40,000
• In Sebring Red
• New 2.1 litre 135bhp engine
• One family owner for most of its life
• Stored for many years

The Mk3 Cortina 2000E is one of those cars that perfectly captures the year and mood in which it was born. The Cortina 2000E will draw the crowds far more efficiently than any Porsche will; people remember and love them. Every fill-up, every shopping trip becomes a chance to meet new people, who will amuse you with tales of long-lost friends and family who used to own one.

Over a million Mk3s were produced. A well-respected site suggests there are only around 800 left. It’s anyone’s guess how many 2000Es there are in this condition.

Background

The mechanicals were kept as straightforward as possible. But the design of the Mk3 was a total overhaul of convention.

The design was a collaboration between Ford Design Studios in the US, Dunton, Essex and Cologne. In charge of the UK team was the American, Joe Oros. He took the lead at the Dunton, Essex campus, and it was here that the Mk3 took shape.

Ford were confident. The Mk3 looked bigger which was a clever design illusion. It had stretched the wheelbase from 96 to 100 inches however, there was little difference in terms of length over the Mk2. That helped greatly. The interior benefits were more obvious.

When it was launched at the London Motor Show in 1970, the Cortina Mk3 took the opposition completely by surprise. Not least because British Leyland were persisting with the Morris Marina.

Stylish, easy to drive, comfortable and affordable with modern styling and showroom appeal.

The Cortina Mk3 quickly became Britain’s best-selling car. During 1970-1976, sales figures topped 1.2 million.

A major overhaul was rolled out in 1973 and the class leading 2000E was introduced. Game over for everyone – you had to feel sorry for Marina owners, though.

History

• First registered 1 August 1975
• Only three previous keepers
• The first owner was Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
• The second was the original Ford Dealer
• The third was our vendor’s uncle
• Our vendor has owned this Cortina for 27 years

Our vendor knew the car from a young age and in his words “coveted” the 2000E. When his uncle offered him the opportunity to own it, he describes it as “needing some attention”. He took it anyway. Working overseas at the time, the 2000E went into storage intermittently being started and run up.

Time ticked by. But the time came to sort out the Cortina. Our vendor found a restorer called Reflections in Slinfold, East Sussex who agreed to carry out a “full restoration”. Six years later and with a bank balance circa £40,000 lighter. The 2000E was as you see it today.

Outside

By the mid-70s Ford had steadily improved the Mk 3 Cortina in all areas. When it rolled out the 2000E elbowing aside the GXL into the top of the range model, the Mk3 was a well sorted car.

As well as steel welded integral construction, the 2000E was packed with updates. Safety glass all round, rectangular semi-sealed halogen headlamps, vinyl roof, bright bumpers with over-riders, unique centre emblem on grille, ‘E’ motif on rear pillars, ‘2000E’ badge on boot lid, matte rear centre panel, chrome mouldings on drip rail, waistline, wheel arches and side windows were just a few.

As we all know, no car is immune to the British summertime. That can cause anxious moments with any classic car. The images in the Gallery will tell their own story. Although this Cortina has had a very thorough restoration – backed up with around 500+ images and invoices – the professional restorers have done their best to retain as much as possible of the original car.

New front wings have been fitted. A boot floor was fabricated. However, remarkably, all four doors are original, along with boot lid, bonnet, quarters and roof. This is no rip-apart-and-reconstruct resto. This is a well thought through job. Our vendor does say he would adjust the rear door strikers if he were keeping it. He also says, he is ‘no engineer’. The videos show the doors being opened and closed. The original Sebring Red colour has been kept. Originally the vinyl roof was maroon, it’s now Black.

In the boot you’ll seen numerous bright yellow packages. These are photographic records of the restoration.

Inside

In this range-topping 2000E the seats are trimmed in Black Ribbed Corded fabric

The door cards have wood cappings which match the fascia. The black deep pile carpet is in good condition. The headlining looks new. The later face-lifted, flat faced dashboard is free from cracks and damage. The dash houses the speedo, rev counter, fuel and temp gauges. A clock sits in the centre console.

The original dished oval ‘leather’ steering wheel is delectably retro. Extras packed out the 2000E as standard items. Cigarette lighter, push-button radio, boot mat, two speed wipers, electric screen wash, electric clock, tachometer, fold flat front seat feature, rear armrests, are just a few.

Have a leaf through the numerous images and you’ll quickly form your own of view how good the interior is.

Mechanicals

Introduced by Ford in 1970, the Pinto was one of the first production engines to carry the camshaft in the cylinder head, driven by a toothed belt. Ford’s trusted 2000cc OHC ‘Pinto’ was good for 98bhp.

This 2000E is fitted with a new, upgraded and larger 2.1-ltr unit. It runs a simple and reliable 32/36 DGAV twin choke Weber fitted with a K&N and an updated distributor. It is enough to produce 135bhp.

The reliable 2000cc Pinto unit is the engine tuners’ favourite. A couple of 45 DCOEs and other upgrades will see bhp rise to 150bhp with ease. The eagle eyed will also spot the alloy header tank in the engine bay.

The clutch is new. The cambelt has, of course, been replaced. The technical fans amongst you will be able to flick through all the detail in the full folder of invoices – if you win it.

• Original 2000E wheels with chrome trim rings are in place.
• Four speed gearbox
• Disc front brakes
• Drum rear brakes
• Double wishbones at the front
• Live rear trailing arms at the rear

All the above provide a plush ride.

Additional info

The 2000E comes fitted with a Tracker which we understand is transferable. The engine has been converted to run on unleaded.

Summary

A rare Cortina 2000E in this condition is an easy way to make new friends. It perfectly encapsulates a previous period and time. That is the textbook essence of a classic car, isn’t it. Something that takes you from the current to the past in an instant.

What else but a great British classic car does that? Nothing is the answer.

Be under no illusion, this is a great British classic car. A unique and rare car. Not much in life is guaranteed. If you miss this at this price, you will kick yourself. That, we guarantee. Good luck.

*Please note that due to bright sunlight, there is some colour variation in the photographs*

Vehicle Location: Cuckfield, West Sussex RH17 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Cortina Mk3 2000 Executive? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So, we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at team@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to get back to you, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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