1970 Ford Cortina MkII GT Sedan

Description

Ford's Cortina family sedan was launched in 1962, designed to fill a gap between the smaller Anglia and executive Zephyr/Zodiac models.  The Cortina's styling was a successful marriage of the best American and European styling trends, with a simple glasshouse, neat chrome grille and vestigial rear fins atop the signature 'Ban the Bomb' tail lights.  With its stiff, lightweight monocoque body shell, ample cabin space and excellent handling, the Cortina was seen as a driver's car right from the outset and a number of performance models, including the GT and Lotus-Cortina, have now become hugely sought-after by enthusiasts.  Under the bonnet was a stroked version of the now familiar Kent engine, initially displacing 1198cc although a 1498cc model was released as an option 1963, along with four-speed manual transmissions (either column or floor-mounted), a live rear axle and recirculating ball steering.  Ford introduced the second-generation Mark II Cortina in 1966, updating the body with a larger shell boasting modern, squared-off lines.  The performance model, badged the GT, retained the same 78 bhp 1.5-litre motor and four-speed gearbox as found in the Mark I GT, but there were improvements, including optional radial tyres, revised suspension and an updated interior.  However, in August 1967 Ford made some further changes under the bonnet, with a new 'Cross-Flow' version of the Kent engine using new manifolds, a dual barrel Weber downdraught carburettor and a slight increase in capacity to raise power to 93 bhp at 5400 rpm.  Radial tyres and 5-inch wheels became standard equipment and a new centre console was fitted.  Ford produced the Mark II GT locally in limited numbers, building 1,449 in total and the few survivors are becoming increasingly collectible.