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The classic Ford Cortina immortalised by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman

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April 25, 2018
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There’s not many cars that are committed to rhyme by a poet laureate but that is exactly what happened to the classic Ford Cortina during its heyday.

The classic Ford Cortina from the swinging 60s

The Ford Cortina was a mass-market compact car launched in the swinging 60s.

Ford produced five generations of the Cortina, the Mk. I through to the Mk. V – although the last was actually called the Cortina 80.

The Poet Laureate of the day, Sir John Betjeman, was suitably impressed that he wrote of it: “I am a young executive. No cuffs than mine are cleaner; I have a Slimline briefcase and I use the firm’s Cortina.” classic Ford Cortina

This classic Ford Cortina – caught in time warp

The model pictured, caught in something of a time warp, is the much-loved Mk. II 1600GT registered in 1969.

Despite its age this model, presented in its original colour combination of Alpina Green with black trim, has clocked only 11,000 miles and, although it hasn’t been restored, it is pretty much in showroom condition.

It was, in fact, in single family ownership for an incredible 48 years.

The original sales invoice shows the purchaser was a Mr Antonio Teixeira. This is included  in the history file alongside the original registration document and oil-change tag showing its mileage in March 1979 at just 9,000 miles.

The classic Ford Cortina going under the hammer

The classic Ford Cortina Mk. II 1600GT is being offered for auction by Historics at Brooklands Motor Museum on Friday, May 18. The presale estimate is £15,000-£21,000.

The car is described by the vendor as “a time warp example”, as new even inside the wheel arches, engine bay and the underside, and unrestored which is a rarity for a classic Ford Cortina Mk II.

Having covered little more than 11,000 miles and having been kept in a warm climate this is a “delight for an enthusiast or collector”, and is offered with its original tool kit and papers. classic Ford Cortina

Keep your classic Ford Cortina safe

If you are lucky enough to own a car like this classic Ford Cortina you will want make sure it is adequately protected. That’s where the experts in the Adrian Flux Cherished Cars department can help.

They have 50 years experience finding special policies for special cars like yours.

Adrian Flux classic car insurance already comes in cheap, but they can provide better deals by offering limited mileage policies, agreed value cover and discounts to members of classic car clubs and forums.




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