1963 Ford Cortina 2 Dr, Deluxe GT

Ford launched one of its most important models in 1962, the Cortina (Mk I). The Cortina was an instant sale success and went on to become a household name, particularly in the UK. The Mk I Cortina used a new bodyshell with modern and tasteful styling and came with a choice of either 1200 or 1500 four cylinder engines and in "standard" or "Super" trim. From 1963 a more powerful Cortina GT was also available alongside the standard models. The GT used a tuned (83bhp) version of the 1498cc engine that was used in the Cortina Super. Front disc brakes were standard, automatic transmission optional and there was a choice of two or four door saloon bodies. The Ford Cortina GT proved popular as a "quick" road car and faired well in saloon car racing and rallying events. Production of the Mk I GT finished in 1966 with the arrival of the new Mk II Cortina.

Here is the opportunity to purchase a very special MK1 Cortina, special in that it is a very rare early MK1 GT and as such only ran for with a few subtle differences to the later cars such as a full front grill, small oval indicators, full front bumper, dash clock layout with steering column rev counter and a 130 MPH speedo. Amazingly we are informed by the vendor that this car was restored by an avid Ford Cortina Club member who was also a mechanical engineer, he restored this stunning car over a 21 year period and as such the attention to detail is truly exceptional.

Specification on this car is as follows:

GT engine block number118E, genuine Cosworth A2 camshaft, gas flowed and ported cylinder head with flat top hepolite pistons, 32mm choke version twin 40 DCOE Weber carburettor. We are informed the engine has only covered 30,000 miles. The transmission is fitted with a Lotus Cortina flywheel and 8'' diaphragm clutch, we are told the engine is very lively and with excellent performance through the gearbox.

The suspension consists of adjustable Gaz shocks with the front struts being built to fast road spec with adjustable front cups, adjustable Leda rear shocks, fully poly bushed suspension, adjustable front control arms currently running ¼ degree negative camber, lowering blocks fitted to rear, double anti roll bar fitted to front. Fitted with 5 ½ J Lotus Cortina 881A steel wheels with Yokohama S707 tyres size 175/70/13.

Brakes are uprated all round with front P16 Girling callipers with 9'' manual adjusting rears with a 7'' Girling 2b servo, 0.75 brake master cylinder, kunifer brake pipes throughout with stainless steel Goodridge flexible hoses. The car runs halogen H4 headlights which are battery wired and fully fused, the engine breaths through a full stainless steel exhaust system and a Geoff Howe NOS free flow4 into 2 into 1 manifold.

The deep gloss black paintwork is almost flawless in its appearance and has a deep mirror finish throughout with no discernible marks or scratches. To say this car is unique would be somewhat of an understatement. Sold with an MOT until July of 2014, marvel at how this 60s saloon manages on so much on so little, the magic of this car is way more than the sum of its parts, it really is a revelation every time you get in and drive it, this is genuinely something special, as seen at Goodwood.