1964 Ford Cortina

History of the 1962 - 1966 Ford Cortina

The Ford Cortina, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive saloon, was built from 1962 to 1982 and was the United Kingdom's best-selling car of the 1970s. Produced in five generations from the Mk I to the Mk V it was almost identical to the Taunus, produced by Ford for the German market only. As production progressed through to 1982, it was replaced in overseas markets by various models such as the Ford Telstar based on the Mazda 626 and ultimately in the UK by the eagerly awaited Sierra.

Inspired by the name of an Italian ski resort, the Cortina took on the curiously named 'Archbishop' moniker for internal project designation purposes. It was Ford's desire in the UK to produce a successful family car, able to appeal to a wide customer spectrum and sell in large numbers. Aimed squarely at offerings from Morris such as the Farina and Vauxhall in the form of the Victor, Ford launched the Cortina to a lauded reception in September of 1962. Originally to be named the Consul 225, it was initially launched as the Consul Cortina until a subtle redesign in 1964 whereby Ford renamed it simply as the Cortina.

The Cortina was initially offered with 1200cc four-cylinder OHV engine as a two-door saloon in standard or De Luxe trim levels. A month later, a four-door saloon was offered, then in March 1963 the De Luxe Estate was introduced at a cost of £684. The 1500cc engine was available as an option on De Luxe models only at an additional cost of £30, but in January 1963 this engine was made available across the range as the 'Cortina Super'. In March 1963 the range was expanded to include the sporty Cortina GT in both two- and four-door saloon versions, using the five-bearing 1500cc engine tuned to produce 78bhp. In December 1963, automatic gearboxes were offered on Cortina Super estate and saloon variants.

Early Standard versions were sparsely equipped and as such sold poorly in comparison with Super versions which interestingly were of a similar price. The estate versions with Super trim offered faux wood side and rear panels.

Much was made at the time of the excellent heating and ventilation system introduced with the Cortina Mk I. As models progressed and the interior revised it was remarked the dashboard had aged far less well than the heating system itself.

The Lotus Cortina, introduced in 1963, is covered separately.

The Ford Cortina Mk I was superseded in 1966 with the arrival of the Ford Cortina Mk II.

Today, the most collectable version of the Mk I Ford Cortina is the Cortina GT, then Super, then Standard in De Luxe Trim, then Standard. Rare De Luxe 1500cc cars also demand a premium.