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Curated Auction

1975 Ford Cortina 1600 L MK3

At a Glance

Great Usable Classic | Smart Interior | Iconic Family Ford | ~9 Years Owned | Upgraded Engine | ~£18k Spend in 2021 | Keen Reserve

  • Mileage~13,088 On Clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • EngineUpgraded to 2.0-Litre Engine
  • LocationGreat Yarmouth

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

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£3,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£3,000

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Few cars capture the spirit of everyday British motoring quite like the Ford Cortina, and this 1975 1600 L is a fantastic example of why.

Finished in a striking period yellow with its black vinyl roof still presenting well, it carries all the charm and character that made the Cortina one of Ford’s most recognisable classics.

Under Lloyd’s ownership, this Cortina has been kept as a strong, usable classic with a smart interior, solid overall presentation, and the kind of honest condition that makes it easy to enjoy. It’s not a concours car, but rather a well-kept and characterful example that feels exactly how a classic Cortina should.

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

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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.

Meet the owner

I've built this Cortina to my tastes and have thoroughly enjoyed the car but I think it's time for someone else to enjoy it.

Lloyd has owned and enjoyed this 1975 Ford Cortina 1600 L as a classic that can be properly used and appreciated, rather than simply stored away. Its honest condition, period charm, and unmistakable road presence were all part of what drew him to the car.

During his ownership, the Cortina has remained a strong and enjoyable example, with attention given to maintaining its usability while preserving its character. It offers the sort of straightforward classic motoring experience that makes these cars so appealing, combining simplicity, style, and genuine nostalgia.

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

Lloyd
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

The Cortina presents as a strong and honest classic, with plenty of charm and road presence. Lloyd has carried out restoration work during his ownership, helping preserve the car while keeping it as a usable and enjoyable example.

Wheels and Tyres

The factory-style wheels suit the car perfectly and retain the period-correct look the Cortina deserves. They present well overall, although a light refurbishment would help lift them further.

The tyres are in good usable condition and complement the car’s strong road manners.

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

During Lloyd’s ownership, the car was taken back to bare metal and fitted with new sills as part of restoration work, giving the shell a solid foundation. The body remains straight overall and presents well, although age-related imperfections are beginning to show through in places.

The boot panel gap is not perfect and may benefit from some adjustment, though it closes as it should.

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

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Paint

Finished in a vibrant period yellow, the Cortina has excellent visual presence and suits the car perfectly. The paint still presents well overall, although there are some runs visible upon closer inspection.

There are also small areas of underpaint bubbling located around the bottoms of the doors, arches, passenger wing, and a small area beneath the headlights.

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

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Glass and Trim

The glass and exterior trim present well overall and complete the classic Ford look nicely.

Chrome details retain good presence, while the black vinyl roof remains in particularly good condition and adds real period character to the car’s overall appearance.

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

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Interior

Inside, the Cortina offers a smart and well-presented cabin with a few tasteful modern touches that improve comfort without taking away from its classic feel.

Seats and Carpets

One of the standout upgrades inside is the fitted Porsche seats, which not only offer excellent support but also bring the added benefit of heated functionality for improved comfort. They present very well and suit the cabin surprisingly naturally.

The carpets are in good order overall, although the carpet around the centre console area is showing some wear and appears a little tatty in places.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The dashboard presents well and retains a clean, period-correct appearance, helping preserve the classic character of the cabin.

Lloyd has assured us that everything is in full working order at the time of visit, making this a straightforward and enjoyable classic to get behind the wheel of.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever remain simple, functional, and exactly as a classic Cortina should feel.

Both present well and contribute nicely to the honest driving experience, keeping the car true to its original charm while maintaining ease of use on the road.

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Mechanics

Mechanically, the Cortina presents as a strong and usable classic that feels ready to be enjoyed. It starts well, drives confidently, and delivers the kind of straightforward classic Ford experience these cars are loved for.

Engine and Gearbox

Although registered as a 1600 L, this example is believed to be running a 2.0-litre engine, giving it a little extra character and usability on the road.

The engine bay presents well, with sensible upgrades including an alloy radiator and modern hoses helping reliability.

There are no unwanted noises on start-up or during driving, and the engine pulls well with the manual gearbox operating smoothly as it should.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension feels settled and composed, giving the car a confident and comfortable ride for a classic of this age.

Braking performance is strong and reassuring, with no unwanted noises or issues noted during the visit, making it a very usable example for regular enjoyment.

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The Drive

Out on the road, the Cortina drives exactly as you would hope, smooth, and full of classic Ford charm.

It performs very well for its age, with strong road manners, good usability, and the sort of straightforward driving experience that makes these cars so enjoyable to own.

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Electrics and Other

Lloyd has assured us that, at the time of visit, everything is in full working order.

The car feels well sorted overall, with its tasteful interior upgrades and mechanical usability making it an easy classic to live with and enjoy.

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History and Paperwork

This Cortina comes with a reassuring history file that supports the care and attention it has received over the years -it reflects an owner who has focused on keeping the car enjoyable, usable, and well maintained.

Included with the car are plenty of invoices documenting the work undertaken throughout Lloyd’s ownership, helping back up the restoration and maintenance carried out. From the bodywork improvements to general upkeep, the paperwork gives confidence that this is a well-looked-after example rather than a car that has simply been left to age.

As mentioned, although registered as a 1600 L on the V5, this example is believed to be running a 2.0-litre engine.

We understand the mileage changes from 2017 due to a change of clock.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 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 have 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, and 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 on this listing in order to make your own assessment on 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
06/10/2021 MOT 12396
22/05/2018 MOT 12096
11/03/2017 MOT 68476
17/05/2016 MOT 68384
23/11/2011 MOT 67835
23/04/2010 MOT 67236
07/04/2009 MOT 67036
11/02/2008 MOT 66067
07/07/2006 MOT 65960
Key Details
  • Model Cortina 1600 L
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 14.10.1975
  • Mileage ~13,088 On Clock (changed)
  • Colour Yellow
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # BABFRJ23704
  • Engine # RJ23704
  • Restored Yes
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 5
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Key Feature Usable Classic
  • Vehicle Registration LLJ 76P
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Saloon
  • Auction ID 3613


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £3,000
    £
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 14th May at 7.20pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  5
    £3,000 bid by Deanwebster09.05.26 @ 06:57:06
    £2,000 bid by ryanhughes198607.05.26 @ 10:45:09
    £1,800 bid by KGigaJ04.05.26 @ 23:16:44
    £1,600 bid by jimr6602.05.26 @ 17:27:42
    £1,400 bid by CDunsmore301.05.26 @ 22:27:46
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    1821
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    3 Comments
    Cokecan1
    Cokecan1
    7 days ago

    If you are on Whatsapp i have lots of pictures I can send of it? I have pictures of it going to it’s 1st MOT and several of when i fitted the engine etc!

    Cokecan1
    Cokecan1
    7 days ago

    Morning,
    Sorry, i have just looked through all the pictures and seen all my hand written notes on the things i had done to her. Great to see it again.

    Cokecan1
    Cokecan1
    7 days ago

    Hi,
    I was wondering if this is my old car? Reg number LLJ76P? Cheers – Tom

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Ford like this is £TBC 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 Spring 2026.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Great Yarmouth

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