I have owned my 48 year old 1974 Mk3. (46 years), I part bought her with my Parents back in 1976, when I was only 12 years old, after falling in love with the car in the showroom, the car had only got 250 miles on the clock, and was a Ford Motor Company Promotional Model, (one of only two made in 1974) they both had unique features only fitted on the promo models,and so super rare at the time when new, she cost £1,575 and came with full warranty's due to the fact the engine had not even been Run In, and the car was in AS NEW immaculate condition, I then had to wait 5 years before I got to drive her, so my Dad used the car till then, and it was used 7 days a week for 25 years. Then parked up outside for 12 years, unused, (while I drove another vehicle due to my work), and serious rust issue developed in that time, The car needed restoring, and it was a massive task, taking 12 years of work and involving international Parts searching, to trace super rare Genuine Ford New Old Stock Panels, every one said were obsolete and I would never find, but I eventually did, the end result being a 100% rust free, and as brand new shell, looking stunning, like it did back in 1974, The videos are on my channel, of the vast amount of rust in the body shell, and crazy attention to detail to restore the car back to Factory condition, but with intense anti rust protection, and super high quality of finish, even in hidden areas never seen, It has to be said I really "adore" this stunning 2 door Daytona Yellow Mk3 featured here in this video, a seriously rare model, and worth far more than it;s asking price, I loved watching this video, a great Classic,and truly beautiful car, this one has been restored very well,
My Mum bought a 72 2 door Cortina in New Brunswick Canada new. It lady her, my brother and my antics for 13 years when we sold it. It met its demise due to rust, I have loved those cars since, thank you for sharing.
My first car was a Cortina Mark 3 1600 GT 2 door model and was a truly lovely car!! I bought it for £300 back in 1984!! I wish I still had it!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Same here. Although mine was a 1972 'L' reg 2000 GT in sunset red with a twin choke weber carb. Bought it in 1980 and you could push your fingers through the sills if you gave it a good prod. Those pinto engines were very reliable though.
The Decor badge meant that it was assembled at the Ford plant in Holland. The Dutch bought Cortinas as well as the German Taunus due to old wartime resentments. Decor was a Dutch trim level. Ford Holland built thousands of RHD Cortinas to keep up with UK demand that Dagenham couldn't fulfil.
First car I drove was a 1975 mk 3 cortina 1.6 GXL manual. It was an old car even then. Great simple cars with nice styling & popular with all types of people then & now.
Thanks for a great review and for showing this rare example.I wonder if when they stated 3 speed fan they meant off/speed one/speed 2, as certainly on series one this was the case.Later, and certainly on mk4 / 5 the speed control used a rheostat, giving varied speed on the slider. his car is cryin out for a p21 Blaupunkt radio
Ford's European Design Chief, Jack Talneck copied the Mark III TD Cortina two door hard dimensions on the Mustang Fox. Its not a long nose Capri, and the little OHC engines of that era, even with a C3 Bordeux automatic, were really smooth. Thanks for taking us along.
It's a shame it's not a 4-door, as the beauty of the saloon's Fanta Bottle shape defines one of the finest Fords, and perhaps one of the finest cars, in real-car, pre-forced-electrocution, history. Most folks won't know why Ford was once a great company, and Ford seems to have forgotten, too. What's perfect about this car's configuration is the grille. Its single-light format, with the combination graphite and silver plastic, is the choice design. Vinyl roofs are essential, in the true sense of the word, although they're not truly essential, since Mk3s look okay without them. The dashboard is also the best version, updated from the sloping predecessor that gives the sense that the bulkhead is open. The lovely two-spoke steering wheel is the original, as it should be. The best of the best is a blue saloon with matching roof, manual gearbox, chrome wing mirrors, chrome hubcaps, cassette deck, and the small factory gearknob that displays the change pattern.
There was something about the shape of the mk 3 that made it stand out. My dad had the glx and the ride was so smooth, I'd fall asleep due to the comfort.
My Dad had so many Cortinas mk 2 3 in different colours including a 4 door M reg L yellow as shown here I had the mk 4 Ghia when first launched Roman Bronze tan roof ( that's a story in itself ) 2.0 ltr. extras rear fog lamps ! The gear box was so good you could drive without a clutch !!!!!Mk 4 had clutch cable gromit perishing issues when it failed in dramatic fashion the clutch pedal hit the floor. Fun and games at traffic lights. Dad had a mk 5GLs ( I think ) which was very nice and perhaps arguable the best of them all despite being a 1.6.
That Cortina will probably attract more attention than any sports car you will drive😀 I’ve got a 1994 Ford Escort LX which bizarrely gets plenty of attention despite the fact it’s nothing special.
My father had a dark blue 1600 L-decor from new (WUB 878N). Heated rear window, but no hazard warning lights. I can't remember if it had electric windscreen washers or if it was a floor mounted rubber bladder which you pressed with your left foot (this may have been on another Ford model which he borrowed from work). Information is scarce on the L-decor model and it is interesting reading the comments, particularly @berwhaletheavenger reference to this model being made in Holland.
I'm not sure what year Ford switched from the Borg Warner type 35 to their own C3 automatic transmission. I'd be curious to know which this car has? The Borg Warner is a much superior unit in every way inc. reliability. The easiest easy is to look underneath. The BW has a cable downshift attached to the throttle linkage whereas the C3 is vacuum downshift. The BW35 dipstick is on the drivers side with downshift cable entry nearside.; not sure re. the ford unit.
Production date of change over to the C3 is not ' set in stone" but it's probably around 1974 as in the official Ford workshop manual supplement it's dated April 1974.. smaller US Fords also used the French made C3 box as did the later MK1 Granada / Consul models around this time (1974,as previously they were using the BW 35 on the 2 liter V4 & 2.5 V6 while the 3000 got the US built C4) ,Yes thee BW box made at Letchworth is far stronger & refined than C3 That. Vacumn modulator destroyed many a C3 when the diaphragm burst allowing the ATF to be sucked up by manifold vacuum to be burnt in the engine, with white smoke & pinking with eventually lack of drive.
Great Vid. I'm a fan of the old school cars. Hopefully they put the racing version of the Ford Cortina in Gran Turismo 7. I would really love to see a actual classic racing class, where we could create our own nostalgic events in single player.
When I was learning to drive in 1974, Dad had a 73 Cortina 2000 GT in red with the sloping dash and tombstone seats. My driving instructor had a bog standard 850 mini. The week before my driving test we went on holiday and Dad let me do all the driving once we were off the motorway. I clocked up over 400 miles that week. Took my test in the mini and passed first time. A bit different driving the Mini to the Cortina. RUR 356M are you still around?
I think, until 1973, in Norway, we could buy English and German, and of course American Fords. Cortina and Consuls were common, but we wanted the German 12M, 15M, 17M, and of course the 20 and 26M. Those were the highlights besides the German Capris.
I heard Cavalier and thought "Wait... There's a Cavalier from Vauxhall too?" Then I checked and the Cavaliers from Chevrolet and Vauxhall are not one and the same. lol
It's a little bit sad that this Cortina didn't end up as a TV/movie star, that would have been so cool. On the other hand, it's great to know that it didn't end up with a piano on its roof, like a certain crap which I can't bring myself to mention its name which is from the same era and much less than desirable for nobody.
L Decor was nothing special, it was just an L, one up from base model. It was just Ford trying to appeal to people's pretentiousness. There was no stripe as standard, the vinyl roof was an option and that sunroof was the sort of thing that would've been fitted aftermarket in the 80s. As a kid I used to be amazed at the way Ford differentiated different trim levels with such minor fripperies such as grab handles, vanity mirrors and bits of chrome.
I have owned my 48 year old 1974 Mk3. (46 years), I part bought her with my Parents back in 1976, when I was only 12 years old, after falling in love with the car in the showroom, the car had only got 250 miles on the clock, and was a Ford Motor Company Promotional Model, (one of only two made in 1974) they both had unique features only fitted on the promo models,and so super rare at the time when new, she cost £1,575 and came with full warranty's due to the fact the engine had not even been Run In, and the car was in AS NEW immaculate condition, I then had to wait 5 years before I got to drive her, so my Dad used the car till then, and it was used 7 days a week for 25 years. Then parked up outside for 12 years, unused, (while I drove another vehicle due to my work), and serious rust issue developed in that time, The car needed restoring, and it was a massive task, taking 12 years of work and involving international Parts searching, to trace super rare Genuine Ford New Old Stock Panels, every one said were obsolete and I would never find, but I eventually did, the end result being a 100% rust free, and as brand new shell, looking stunning, like it did back in 1974,
The videos are on my channel, of the vast amount of rust in the body shell, and crazy attention to detail to restore the car back to Factory condition, but with intense anti rust protection, and super high quality of finish, even in hidden areas never seen, It has to be said I really "adore" this stunning 2 door Daytona Yellow Mk3 featured here in this video, a seriously rare model, and worth far more than it;s asking price, I loved watching this video, a great Classic,and truly beautiful car, this one has been restored very well,
My Mum bought a 72 2 door Cortina in New Brunswick Canada new. It lady her, my brother and my antics for 13 years when we sold it. It met its demise due to rust, I have loved those cars since, thank you for sharing.
My first car was a Cortina Mark 3 1600 GT 2 door model and was a truly lovely car!! I bought it for £300 back in 1984!! I wish I still had it!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nice!
Same here. Although mine was a 1972 'L' reg 2000 GT in sunset red with a twin choke weber carb. Bought it in 1980 and you could push your fingers through the sills if you gave it a good prod. Those pinto engines were very reliable though.
My Dad had a silver Cortina 2000E with a black vinyl roof, brings back memories ❤
The Decor badge meant that it was assembled at the Ford plant in Holland. The Dutch bought Cortinas as well as the German Taunus due to old wartime resentments. Decor was a Dutch trim level. Ford Holland built thousands of RHD Cortinas to keep up with UK demand that Dagenham couldn't fulfil.
Cortinas rubbish starters in winter
Typical rust on lower front scuttle
Bring back the CORTINA !!!!👍
I'm kinda surprised they haven't revived the name already at least...
0:02 to the right: Bmw 2002. My dad's old car. Used to call it "Betsy" lol. We all did.
Great video. Really enjoyed this.
Ah nice, and cheers, glad you enjoyed it
Great little video. My Father had a Mk. I at one point, my Brother an orange Mk. III in the 80s and I have owned a Mk. IV in the past.
Ah nice 😁
First car I drove was a 1975 mk 3 cortina 1.6 GXL manual. It was an old car even then. Great simple cars with nice styling & popular with all types of people then & now.
Thanks for a great review and for showing this rare example.I wonder if when they stated 3 speed fan they meant off/speed one/speed 2, as certainly on series one this was the case.Later, and certainly on mk4 / 5 the speed control used a rheostat, giving varied speed on the slider. his car is cryin out for a p21 Blaupunkt radio
Cheers! Glad you enjoyed. And I'd have to defer to the aficionados on that one, haha
Ford spoiled it for me when they changed the earlier super cool sloping dash! Still my favorite Cortina! [Phenomenal rusters!]
Ford's European Design Chief, Jack Talneck copied the Mark III TD Cortina two door hard dimensions on the Mustang Fox. Its not a long nose Capri, and the little OHC engines of that era, even with a C3 Bordeux automatic, were really smooth. Thanks for taking us along.
So refreshing to see a classic like this, wonderful video !
Thanks, and yeah hopefully get some more classics in the series in future episodes...
It's a shame it's not a 4-door, as the beauty of the saloon's Fanta Bottle shape defines one of the finest Fords, and perhaps one of the finest cars, in real-car, pre-forced-electrocution, history. Most folks won't know why Ford was once a great company, and Ford seems to have forgotten, too.
What's perfect about this car's configuration is the grille. Its single-light format, with the combination graphite and silver plastic, is the choice design. Vinyl roofs are essential, in the true sense of the word, although they're not truly essential, since Mk3s look okay without them. The dashboard is also the best version, updated from the sloping predecessor that gives the sense that the bulkhead is open. The lovely two-spoke steering wheel is the original, as it should be.
The best of the best is a blue saloon with matching roof, manual gearbox, chrome wing mirrors, chrome hubcaps, cassette deck, and the small factory gearknob that displays the change pattern.
I preferred the twin round lights, but yes I agree a beauty indeed!
There was something about the shape of the mk 3 that made it stand out. My dad had the glx and the ride was so smooth, I'd fall asleep due to the comfort.
I had one , same colour, Daytona yellow i believe.
My Dad had so many Cortinas mk 2 3 in different colours including a 4 door M reg L yellow as shown here I had the mk 4 Ghia when first launched Roman Bronze tan roof ( that's a story in itself ) 2.0 ltr. extras rear fog lamps ! The gear box was so good you could drive without a clutch !!!!!Mk 4 had clutch cable gromit perishing issues when it failed in dramatic fashion the clutch pedal hit the floor. Fun and games at traffic lights. Dad had a mk 5GLs ( I think ) which was very nice and perhaps arguable the best of them all despite being a 1.6.
My 1st car cortina mk3 my uncle had an Ldecor from new in onyx Green would love one again much more stylish than modern cars.
I liked this review very much. I didn't know anything about the motor car. TY for sharing 😊😊
Great video, I've still got a 72 mk3 gt all og except has one piece drive shaft
That Cortina will probably attract more attention than any sports car you will drive😀 I’ve got a 1994 Ford Escort LX which bizarrely gets plenty of attention despite the fact it’s nothing special.
Classics almost always do for sure 😋
My father had a dark blue 1600 L-decor from new (WUB 878N). Heated rear window, but no hazard warning lights. I can't remember if it had electric windscreen washers or if it was a floor mounted rubber bladder which you pressed with your left foot (this may have been on another Ford model which he borrowed from work).
Information is scarce on the L-decor model and it is interesting reading the comments, particularly @berwhaletheavenger reference to this model being made in Holland.
I'm not sure what year Ford switched from the Borg Warner type 35 to their own C3 automatic transmission. I'd be curious to know which this car has?
The Borg Warner is a much superior unit in every way inc. reliability. The easiest easy is to look underneath. The BW has a cable downshift attached to the throttle linkage whereas the C3 is vacuum downshift. The BW35 dipstick is on the drivers side with downshift cable entry nearside.; not sure re. the ford unit.
Production date of change over to the C3 is not ' set in stone" but it's probably around 1974 as in the official Ford workshop manual supplement it's dated April 1974.. smaller US Fords also used the French made C3 box as did the later MK1 Granada / Consul models around this time (1974,as previously they were using the BW 35 on the 2 liter V4 & 2.5 V6 while the 3000 got the US built C4) ,Yes thee BW box made at Letchworth is far stronger & refined than C3 That. Vacumn modulator destroyed many a C3 when the diaphragm burst allowing the ATF to be sucked up by manifold vacuum to be burnt in the engine, with white smoke & pinking with eventually lack of drive.
Great Vid. I'm a fan of the old school cars. Hopefully they put the racing version of the Ford Cortina in Gran Turismo 7. I would really love to see a actual classic racing class, where we could create our own nostalgic events in single player.
When I was learning to drive in 1974, Dad had a 73 Cortina 2000 GT in red with the sloping dash and tombstone seats. My driving instructor had a bog standard 850 mini. The week before my driving test we went on holiday and Dad let me do all the driving once we were off the motorway. I clocked up over 400 miles that week. Took my test in the mini and passed first time. A bit different driving the Mini to the Cortina. RUR 356M are you still around?
The last tax disc ran out in December 1985.
We don’t get the two door ones in Australia 🇦🇺
I think, until 1973, in Norway, we could buy English and German, and of course American Fords. Cortina and Consuls were common, but we wanted the German 12M, 15M, 17M, and of course the 20 and 26M. Those were the highlights besides the German Capris.
1972 XL as my first car it still was under factory warranty when I bought it
Nice
Inherited my father's 1600 L mk3 1973. Loved it till the head gasket went and I traded it in for a Fiat Uno, two great cars.
If you know the game My Summer Car,
it´s sequel is going to have a Cortina (either this or the later model) as the "hero" car
Nice vid 👌
Sweet, our family had an estate one in the 80s, in the same colour
Ah nice
I heard Cavalier and thought "Wait... There's a Cavalier from Vauxhall too?" Then I checked and the Cavaliers from Chevrolet and Vauxhall are not one and the same. lol
It's a little bit sad that this Cortina didn't end up as a TV/movie star, that would have been so cool. On the other hand, it's great to know that it didn't end up with a piano on its roof, like a certain crap which I can't bring myself to mention its name which is from the same era and much less than desirable for nobody.
Haha
It looks like a shrunken Maverick with a 60s Mercury grill.
No wing mirrors or door mirrors or am I being blind LOL,
Is this the Chevy Opala from Ford??? Man????
It does look similar, lol
@@HSGAutomotive is this a good choice to make a video. Talking about the Chevrolet Opala in Brazil.
L Decor was nothing special, it was just an L, one up from base model. It was just Ford trying to appeal to people's pretentiousness. There was no stripe as standard, the vinyl roof was an option and that sunroof was the sort of thing that would've been fitted aftermarket in the 80s. As a kid I used to be amazed at the way Ford differentiated different trim levels with such minor fripperies such as grab handles, vanity mirrors and bits of chrome.
The L deluxe special was, indeed, the one to go for, as you say. It had everything one could want, except hazard warning lights.
Terrible handling and non stop maintenance after 60000 miles , i had one, a 1600 crossflow mk2.