1966 Ford Cortina MK1 1200

Highlights

• Older restoration in attractive Lotus-adjacent colour scheme
• Engine rebuild in 2025 costing over £7,800
• Five keepers with previous one for 20 years
• Large history file including original adverts
• Practical and stylish 60s saloon

The Appeal

In its own way, the Cortina was as influential as the Beetle, perhaps even the Model T. It made car ownership reliable and easy. But unlike either of those cars, there was a Tina for all tastes, from parsimonious to luxurious and, of course, sporting too.

This 1966 1200 nods to all that with its stylish two-tone colour scheme, front quarter bumpers and fat steels, clear nods to Colin Chapman’s masterpiece. The paint and the red vinyl interior are the result of an older restoration by the car’s long-term previous keeper, one of just five. The work has held up well, with a few points for buyers to note in photos.

Under the bonnet there is a fully rebuilt 1,200cc Kent pre-crossflow engine. The work was done in 2025 and cost close to £8,000, including ancillaries and an upgraded carburettor. The car has covered few miles since completion. With a large history file, this Cortina MK1 offers a great opportunity to capitalise on all the recent mechanical investment.

The vendor says:

“Engine professionally rebuilt with an upgraded carburettor. A real head-turner and a pleasure to drive. Previously used as a wedding car, which is testament to the way the car presents.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 19,900 miles indicated (total mileage may be higher)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 1,198cc Kent pre-crossflow four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: Large history file including engine rebuild receipt

The Detail

• Older repaint from red to grey with red side stripes similar to Lotus Cortina design
• Paintwork presents well for age of work with some localised areas to note in photos
• Bodywork is straight and generally tidy for age of car
• Some areas to note in photos such as base of doors and C pillars
• Boot floor as shown in photos
• Steel wheels similar to Lotus Cortina with chrome hub caps
• Wheel rims, hub caps and tyres all present well in photos
• Chrome front and rear bumpers with front quarter bumpers similar to Lotus
• Some age to note to glass seals
• Red vinyl interior reported to be an older retrim showing some patina
• Some age to note to vinyl seats and door cards in photos
• Age to note to dashboard with radio missing and auxiliary dials fitted
• Engine recently rebuilt with photos provided

BEFORE YOU BUY

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