Ford Cortina Mk 1 - A Brief History

The famous Ford Cortina car was to become one of fords best ever selling models. Introduced in September 1962 as the Consul Cortina, It was available as a two-door four/five seater saloon in either standard or deluxe forms. This family car was powered by an 1198cc four-cylinder engine that was derived from the Anglia 105E unit, and also like the Anglia the Cortina featured McPherson strut suspension at the front. A four-door model joined the range a month later in October 1962. A 1498cc version was to arrive in 1963, and later that year an estate version was launched along with a GT version of the Saloon and the famous Lotus Cortina was also launched. The model range was revised in 1964 and minor trim and interior changes were made and mechanical improvements included the fitting of front disc brakes. It was at this point that the Consul part of the name was dropped, with the car now showing only Cortina badges front and rear. More than one million Mk 1 Cortina's were produced before the Mk II Cortina replaced the Mk1 in 1966.

Specifications (saloon)

Model

Cortina 1200

Cortina 1500

Cortina 1500 GT

Years Produced

1962 -1966

Body Type (all)

 2 or 4 door saloon, or 4 door estate, all steel unitary construction

Length

14ft 1in

14ft 1in

14ft 1in

Width

5ft 3in

5ft 3in

5ft 3in

Weight

1715lb

1750lb

1750lb

Engine

4 cyl inline 1198cc

4cyl inline1498cc

4 cyl inline 1498cc

Power

48.5 bhp @ 4800rpm

59.5 bhp @ 4600 rpm

78 bhp @ 5200 rpm

Torque

67lb ft @ 2700 rpm

82lb ft @ 2300 rpm

97lb ft@ 3600 rpm

Gearbox (all)

4 speed all synchromesh - optional auto on 1500 models

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes (all)

Drum ront & rear until 1964 the front disc rear drum

Front Suspension

MacPherson Strut

MacPherson Strut

MacPherson Strut

Rear Suspension

Leaf Spring, live axle

Leaf Spring, live axle

Leaf Spring, live axle

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