1970 Ford Cortina MK2 440 Sedan (Modified)

Description

Now regarded as something of a cult car, Ford's Cortina was originally conceived as a model designed to bridge the gap between the Anglia and the larger Zephyr and Zodiacs. Following on from the success of the first generation, or Mark 1, model a completely new version was announced in 1966, with an updated body sporting fashionable, square-cut lines. Designed by Roy Haynes, the new bodyshell was again sold in both two and four-door versions, with an interior that was considerably more spacious than in its rather cramped predecessor. Although designed in Britain, the Cortina was very much a world car, being assembled in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and even several plants in Asia, including Taiwan and South Korea. Nonetheless the Cortina will forever be associated with its birthplace in Dagenham, Essex. Typical of Ford, the Cortina was available with a myriad of engine and transmission combinations, along with various trim levels, including the base model, Deluxe, Super, GT and 1600E - not to mention the high performance Lotus derivative that served as a worthy flagship for the range. Early models used either the same 1300cc or 1500cc Kent engines carried over from the Mark 1 but from August 1967 new crossflow cylinder heads were added to markedly improve efficiency and the 1500 became the 1600 at the same time. The Cortina had a similarly successful career in Australia, the Mark 1 proving extremely competitive in touring car racing, resulting in a spin-off homologation model badged the GT500. The Mark II followed this tradition of home-grown models, being sold as the 220, 240, 440, GT and luxurious L with wood-panelled doors and dash. The Cortina was one of Ford's most successful models ever, becoming the best selling new car in 1967 and going on to chalk up more than a million sales between 1966 and 1970.