Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An astonishing launch specification Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E with 25,105 miles.
EQUIPMENT
All steel welded integral construction, safety glass all round, rectangular semi-sealed halogen headlamps, vinyl roof, bright bumpers, underriders, special centre emblem on grille, ‘E’ motif on rear pillars, ‘2000E’ badge on boot lid, applique panel at rear, bright mouldings on drip rail, waist line, wheel arches and side windows, cigar lighter, push button radio, boot mat, two speed wipers, electric screen wash, electric clock, tachometer, ‘recline to bed’ front seat feature, rear armrest, dished oval simulated leather steering wheel, real wood veneer cappings to fascia and doors. Factory options; Automatic transmission, tinted/laminated windscreen.
EXTERIOR
An originality seekers dream is presented here with this unrestored top-of-the-range Cortina 2000E. Finished in Sebring Red, (Code N4), the factory applied paint is simply gorgeous and reflective of an unrestored, 25,105 mile example. The polished finish is completely uniform and all factory fitted panels are pin straight with even shut lines and doors that close with a reassuring effortless thud. Miniscule markings are visible upon close scrutiny, barely worthy of mention. All trim sections, badges and extensive brightwork is immaculate and dealer fitted raised digit number plates remain along with period stickers to the factory Ford glass. Ramp inspection of the underside will astonish with a never repaired structure, straight seam lines and even part of the factory engine shop label that escaped the PDI removal process! It is difficult to imagine the existence of a better unrestored and iconic Coke Bottle design Mk3 Cortina.
INTERIOR
This range topping 2000E is trimmed in Beige Ribbed/Corded fabric, (Code K1), to the seats and door cards, the latter of which has real wood veneer cappings which match the fascia. 100% originality is evident with all fabrics and trim fully intact and spotlessly clean with no sun fading. The deep cut pile carpet is plump and unmarked and the headlining is as new. The dashboard is completely free from cracks and houses fully functioning equipment and switchgear with exception of the clock. The dished oval simulated leather steering wheel is deliciously retro and has only slight tarnishing to the rim and a tiny nick to the dash edge. An interior reflective of cosseted ownership and the 25,105 miles covered. Amazing.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Ford’s trusted 2000cc OHC ‘Pinto’ has a power output of 98bhp enough to keep pace of modern traffic. The engine is very quiet and smooth and performs faultlessly. The engine bay is outstanding and displays the original chassis stamping to the inner wing as well as plates and labels which are factory fitted and not aftermarket items. Originality even extends to the factory wing/slam panel seam welds and genuine Ford hose clips! A full stainless-steel exhaust system was fitted in 2012. The expensive factory optional automatic transmission performs wonderfully to offer a very relaxed driving manner.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Five styled sports road wheels display defined Ford emblems and part number stampings as well as the black infills around the wheel holes, all of which are lost upon refurbishment. Four matching Continental ContiEcoContact3 165/80 R13 tyres were fitted new in 2018. An unused Pirelli P4 tyre sits in the clean boot area compete with the Ford jack and wheel brace which remain secured by the original rubber eyelet straps. Hydraulic dual line brakes with servo assistance offer ample stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
A car with quite a story. Built in September 1973 and registered new on the 8th October 1973, the car has covered just 25,105 miles from new in the hands of only three owners. The first owner, Mr Brian Searle, worked for the supplying Ford Main Dealer, H. C. Smith & Son Ltd of Tadley, and instantly fell in love with the 2000E when it was launched to replace the GXL in late 1973. This Sebring Red car was one of the first 2000E’s received into stock and Mr Searle simply had to have one! These early launch specification 2000E models still had GXL stamped on the identification plate and other unique features. In a twist of perhaps veiled fortune, Mr Searle received a promotion the following year and gained a company car in the form of a Ford Granada. Not willing to part with his beloved Cortina, it was placed into hibernation in his Mother in Law’s heated garage where it remained for 24 years! In 1998 the reluctant decision was made to sell the car to colleague, Mr Neil Blaxhill, who cherished the car for 19 years with sunny day usage only. In 2017 the car was sold to the third and final owner, Mr Mathew Perkins, a car collector who embarked on tours of North Yorkshire in the car and even France! KGF Classic Cars are immensely proud to have acquired what is quite possibly the best unrestored Mk3 Cortina 2000E in existence.
The history file includes the original handbook and 1973 Cortina range sales brochure as well as a folder of receipts, invoices, previous MOT certificates and the Ford Main Dealer tax disc holder, original key and keyring. This is the ultimate collectors Mk3 Cortina in exceptional original condition that is virtually unheard of.
HPI Clear.
