1968 Ford Cortina MkII 1600E Saloon

Description

Although largely unknown to Australian Ford enthusiasts and never sold here, the Cortina 1600E is regarded as a cult car in Britain. Launched at the 1967 Paris Motor Show, Ford cleverly combined the Cortina GT's running gear with plenty of luxury features to create an aspirational saloon perfect for the young executive, instantly recognisable thanks to the unique Rostyle wheels, blacked-out grille and lowered stance. Based on the crisply restyled Mark II bodyshell, the 1600E looked just right for the Swinging Sixties. Under the bonnet, the same 1.6-litre engine used in the GT featured a hotter camshaft, bigger valves and twin barrel Weber carburettor to deliver 88 bhp at 5400 rpm, while the GT's gearbox was also used, with a three-rail selector mechanism and ratios lifted from the Corsair 2000E. The MacPherson front struts were lifted from the Cortina and the suspension settings lowered, improving the handling characteristics. Inside Ford went all out to create a luxurious environment, with lavish use of wood on the doors and dash, additional instrumentation (including an ammeter and separate gauges for oil pressure, temperature and fuel) in a separate binnacle, along with additional sound deadening. Metallic paints were also a popular option and a leather steering wheel finished the 1600E off nicely. Only sold in four-door guise in Britain (export cars were available as two-doors, though few were made), the 1600E was a relative bargain and sold strongly until 1969, when a lightly revised model appeared. Changes included a blacked-out rear panel, single-rail gearbox, redesigned seats and a new instrument panel and centre console inside. The 1600E remained in production until the end of the Mark II Cortina in August 1970, with 58,582 made in total. Today early 1600Es - like the car offered here - are prized for their smoother gearboxes, with closer ratios.