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Curated Auction

1970 Ford Cortina 1600E

At a Glance

Fantastic Condition | Recent Gearbox Overhaul | Documented Recent Restoration Costing +£28k | Show Ready | Low Reserve

  • Mileage~48,578
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6-litre
  • LocationWallasey, Merseyside

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,100
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,100

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

A well-known British icon used as a sales car or family saloon… the Cortina did it all.

With "More Looks… More Room… More Go… More Car for your money," it was a sure-fire winner right from the off. Launched in September 1962, the team at Ford had worked hard and fast to bring us the Cortina within the 20-month deadline they had set themselves. In the first year alone, more than 300,000 units were sold, thus proving that Ford had got the Cortina just right.

With other manufacturers aware of the model's success, they started to build their own models to compete with Ford. This is when the Cortina received a major facelift in 1964, which pushed the popularity of the car even further, and by the autumn of 1966, more than 1 million units had been sold, making the Cortina Britain's most successful car ever built.

This stunning example has recently completed an extensive restoration, bringing it to an excellent standard and leaving it ready to be added to a collection or enjoyed on the road.

We consigned this car a few months ago, however, it developed a gearbox issue shortly after consignment, so it was taken off sale whilst Steve had the gearbox overhauled and fixed by a specialist.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Steve the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

It was only meant to be a basic restoration!

Steve purchased the Cortina approximately three years ago, with a vision in mind of restoring it into a usable classic. The body shop, however, had other ideas and went to town on the 70s classic with a no-expense-spared restoration, bringing it up to the stunning standard you will see in the photographs.

The car was finished in September 2025 and put on display at the NEC in October with the Cortina Owners Club, and since then, it’s not been used, as Steve doesn’t really want to use it because he’s worried about picking up chips from use, so would rather it go to a new home.

Steve will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Steve
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The definitive "executive" classic, perfectly blending 70s working-class style with upscale flair.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original Rostyle wheels, they have been refurbished and are in excellent condition, topped off with classic chrome trims.

The tyres are a matching set in like-new condition, having covered only a few miles.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The Cortina’s body has had a considerable amount of work carried out, as can be seen in the documented photographs.

Both rear quarter panels were replaced, along with the wings and some floor sections.

Looking around the car, the panels appear to align well, and no dings or dents were spotted.

The underside deserves a separate mention, as this is stunning and just as clean as the exterior.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Finished in 'Silver Fox', which at the time was a very modern metallic colour.

The finish is excellent, and the car presents well on the exterior, in the engine bay, on the boot floor, and underneath.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, and make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

All of the windows appear to be original; there are some light scratches to the side windows from being wound up and down, but these are quite minor. All the seals appear to be in good condition with no signs of perishing.

The trim is in excellent condition, with no noticeable scratches other than a few age-related marks in keeping with the age.

The headlights, spotlights, and indicators, along with the rear light lenses, are all in good condition, with no damage to note.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Just like stepping into a time machine and going straight back to 1970.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats have been retained, with the fronts retrimmed in original-style vinyl, while the rear remains original.

The front seats are in excellent condition, having not been used; the original rears do have some light patina, but nothing excessive.

All four door cards present well.

There are some minor signs of age, but again, nothing significant.

The carpets throughout have been replaced; therefore, these are in excellent condition.

Inside the boot, the spare wheel is present, and the boot floor mat is also in new condition.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition, with no splits or cracks to the top.

The wooden fascia also presents well, with no damage spotted.

The instruments are working correctly.

The tachometer does appear to read a little high, and the odometer shows a reading of ~48,558 miles, at the time of our visit, Steve has covers ~20 miles since then.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with the original three-spoke steering wheel, the Cortina centre badge shows some patina, while the outer rim has been retrimmed in leather, which is excellent.

The four-speed gear knob has some light signs of age, but less than you would expect for a 56-year-old car.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The 1600 crossflow engine was used for many years across the Ford range, proving to be highly reliable and delivering strong performance.

Engine and Gearbox

The crossflow engine was rebuilt during the restoration.

Also fitted is an alternator, which looks like the old-style dynamo.

The 1600 runs beautifully, sounds great, and has no reported issues.

Fitted with a four-speed gearbox, this has also been rebuilt and recently overhauled, and the car pulls well through all the gears, which are easily selected.

Please watch the On the Road video to see the car starting and being driven around the local area.

image

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the Cortina handles as well as you would expect; all of the suspension components have been replaced, along with all the bushes, giving a ride as good as when it left the factory.

The braking system has also been given plenty of new parts, ensuring the Cortina comes to a stop in a straight line, with no problems reported.

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The Drive

Driving the iconic Ford Cortina 1600E is a wonderfully nostalgic experience, reminiscing about everyday usability with a surprising touch of sporting character.

Its eager 1.6-litre crossflow engine delivers smooth, lively performance, while the light steering makes it easy and enjoyable to place on the road.

The 1600E received upgraded suspension and trim, giving it a more refined feel than standard Cortinas of the era.

image

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear appears to be in good condition and is said to be working correctly.

The only thing that isn’t working is the radio - this is a new Motorola unit that also has an iPod input, so, in theory, there shouldn’t be much wrong, but Steve hasn’t had a chance to look into it further.

image
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Video #2

History and Paperwork

A well-documented list, with prices noted during the restoration, is enough to make your eyes water

The garage that carried out the restoration kindly noted every part fitted to the car, which turned out to be a lot, as you will see when you look through the paperwork section. There are also several invoices from the Mk2 Cortina Owners Club for various parts purchased. The beauty of buying from the owners' club is that the parts are reputable and high-quality.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any classic car fan to get behind the wheel of a classic Ford that has had a no-expense-spared restoration carried out by an enthusiast garage. The Cortina is ready and waiting to attend any show, go straight into a collection, or be enjoyed as a weekend car; the choice is yours!

We’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time. We just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid(s), as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
06.05.2026 MOT 48,549
09.10.2007 MOT 32,262
18.03.2006 MOT 32,254
08.09.1996 MOT 31,814
02.08.1995 MOT 31,535
10.08.1994 MOT 30,492
18.09.1992 MOT 30,446
11.09.1991 MOT 29,622
17.10.1988 MOT 26,252
23.06.1987 MOT 15,301
29.03.1986 MOT 9,662
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Cortina 1600E
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01.03.1970
  • CC 1599
  • Mileage ~48,578
  • Colour Silver Fox
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # BA74KL13622
  • Restored Yes
  • Engine Rebuild Yes
  • MOT Exp: 05.05.2027
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 6
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 3 years
  • Key Feature No expense spared restoration
  • Vehicle Registration STA 976H
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 4-Door Saloon
  • Auction ID 3639
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Wallasey, Merseyside

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £1,100
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    1970 Ford Cortina 1600E
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    Auction Ends Thu 1st Oct at 7.30pm
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    £1,100 bid by Fredtech17.09.26 @ 12:01:12
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Ford like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Wallasey, Merseyside

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