FORD CORTINA

The Cortina was without doubt one of Ford's leading lights. Produced for 20 years throught 5 generations Mark I to Mark V, all variants of the Cortina sold over one million units enjoying success world-wide. The Mk1 with it's famous 'Ban the Bomb' tailights ran from 1962 to 1966 and had many race and rally victories. Launched in September 1962 it was briefly known as the Consul Cortina before simply being sold as the Cortina. Notable models were the Lotus Cortina and Cortina GT with variations wining Bathusrt 3 times, South African Rally and British Saloon Car Championships. The Mk2 arrived in 1966 with an entirely new body and in 1967 a much revised head, the 'package ' was well recieved and the Cortina was Britain's most popular new car in 1967, achieving the goal that Ford had been trying to achieve since it set out to create the original Cortina back in 1960. The "Coke Bottle" Mk3 ran from 1970 to 1976 and while it looked much larger than the Mk2 it was actually the same overall length, but 4 inches (100 mm) wider. GT versions still remained but the Lotus variant was no longer available however Ford Australia did produce Mk3's with the 200ci and 250ci in-line six cylinder engine, lifted straight out of the Australian Ford Falcon range. The Mk4 was really a re-badged Ford Taunus. Globalisation had arrived and many parts were carried over, most notably the running gear, and even the dashboard design. The Mark IV was sold in Australia, badged as the TE Cortin It had trim levels L, GL and Ghia, With a few other short run variants, such as th 'S' pack. The last hurray for the Cortina was the Mk5 1979-1982. A large update on the Mark IV, it was really a step between a facelift and a re-body. The Mark V differentiated itself from the Mark 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 tail lights (on saloon models) and upgraded trim.