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Cortina History |
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The Cortina MK1 was introduced in September
1962 in a standard & deluxe form. Originally to be called
"The Archbishop", Ford decided to stick to the tried and
tested formula of the very popular Anglia 105E with an overhead valve
engine, four speed gearbox, MacPherson strut front suspension and
recirculating ball steering. Available in 2 or 4 door saloons the
Consul Cortina was to be one of Ford's most successful models. (Ford
were later to drop the 'Consul' nametag.)
Up to January 1963 all models were fitted
with an 1198cc 3 bearing crankshaft engine similar to the one in
aforementioned
The bodystyle for the Cortina had an
angular look with tapering flutes along the sides and the immediately
recognizable rear 'Y'
light clusters. Also launched in
January 1963 was the 1500 Super that was immediately identified by
the chrome tapered strips along the side flutes. Later in the same
month came the GT launch. The 1500 engine under the bonnet of this
sports Cortina was fitted with twin choke weber carburetor, disk
brakes on the front wheels, remote gearchange and modified
suspension. March 1963 saw the Estate car added to the range, the
1200 deluxe and the 1500 super , the latter being identified by the
American style mock wood paneling on the sides and tailgate. 'Woody'
paneling was available only as an optional extra on the 1200 models.
The final model launched to complete the
range was the 'Lotus modified Cortina'. July 1963 saw the the
dispersion of all suspension and steering grease nipples replaced by
ball joints with plastic seatings. September 1963 saw the next set of
modifications; childproof locks added to all rear doors and front
bench seats with column gear change was made available as an optional
extra to all models except the GT. December 1963 brought the
introduction of the Borg-Warner supplied automatic gearbox. A price
of £82 was added to the 1500 for this optional extra. October
1964 saw the most significant changes in the Cortina specification.
Front disk brakes were added to all models as standard, the front
grille was redesigned from the two standard slats and deluxe chrome
into a single chrome to incorporate a widened bottom to surround the
side lights and indicators. Also introduced was the Ford 'aeroflow'
ventilation system thus ensuring fresh air entered the car and was
then expelled. In it's final year of production the Cortina GT was
given even larger front wheel disks and self adjusting rear brakes.
Finally in October 1966 came the biggest change to the Cortina, after
1,010,000 Mark1's being made came the introduction of the Cortina MK2.