Ford Cortina Mk II - A Brief History

The Mk II Cortina was introduced in September 1966 to replace the already successful Mk 1. As with the Mk 1 it was available in either two or four door form, and was offered with either column or floor change manual transmission, or automatic (the column change cars came with a bench front seat). All models were available with either 1300 or 1500 engines - the 1500 engine was straight out of the Mk 1 and the 1300 was a stroked version of the Mk 1 1198cc unit. A GT version of the saloon was also offered which benefitted from more power and comprehensive instrumentation. An estate joined the range in early 1967 and this could actually be purchased in GT specification to special order. In 1967, just under a year of the Mk II being launched, both the 1300 & 1500 engines were replaced by the now famous crossflow engines in 1300 & 1600 form. The Cortina was now the best selling car in Britain. In September 1967 the highly desirable 1600 E (Executive) arrived - a sporting model with a high degree of luxury. It was based on 1600 GT running gear and was fitted with many luxury extras including walnut veneer door cappings & dashboard and the comprehensive instrumentation of the GT. Minor changes were made throughout the life of the Mk II which finally ended its production in 1970 after more than one million cars were sold. As with the Mk 1 Cortina a Lotus version was made. I hope to feature both of the these models soon!

Specifications (saloons)

Model

Cortina 1300 (crossflow)

Cortina 1600

Cortina 1600 E / GT

Years Produced

1966 -1970

Body Type 

 2 or 4 door saloon, or 4 door estate (not E), all steel unitary construction

Length

14ft

14ft

14ft

Width

5ft 4in

5ft 4in

5ft 4in

Engine

4 cyl inline 1298cc

4cyl inline1599cc

4 cyl inline 1599cc

Power

63 bhp @ 5300 rpm

71 bhp @ 5000 rpm

88 bhp @ 5400 rpm

Torque

72lb ft @ 2500 rpm

91.5lb ft @ 2300 rpm

?lb ft@ ? rpm

Gearbox (all)

4 speed manual - optional automatic 

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes (all)

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

 Mk II Cortina - 1600E (left) and estate (right)

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