The
Mark 3 Cortina arrived in late 1970, it was a radical departure from
the familiar 3 square box car of the Marks 1 and 2.
Some were put off by the up swept body design often referred to as "The
Coke Bottle", this shape was not entirely new to the British car
buyer as Vauxhall's Victor of 1968 featured very similar lines !
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A 2 door 2000 GXL Saloon, notice the swept
back American look, this being the reason it was referred to
as a "coke bottle" shape.
This
is the model I hope to own again soon!Thanks to Doug for his
information on this car and his ongoing permission to use this
picture.Picture
taken at the Bromley Pageant of Motoring 2001.
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The car had a very American look and feel
to it, which was slightly surprising as it was the first venture of the
newly formed Ford European division, although the car was known as the
"Taunus" in Europe...........unusual when you consider the roots
of the name "Cortina".
As
with previous Cortinas, the MK3 came in many versions, engine size ranged
from a slightly weazy 1300 cc, the most popular 1600 cc, these 2 engines
being lifted from the Mk2, and a new 2000 cc overhead cam engine.
The suspension was new though, the familiar McPherson struts at the
front being dropped for a double wishbone arrangement and coil springs
at the rear instead of leaf (or cart type) rear springs.
The
top of the range models were a GT and GXL Models, available with either
1600 cc or 2000 cc overhead cam engines, these models stood apart from
lesser models by way of their 4 quartz halogen headlights, 7 clock dash
and "Sports" wheels.
Early Cortinas (and Capris) fitted with the overhead cam engine soon
suffered from early cam shaft failure, announced by a healthy clatter
from under the bonnet, this failure was due mainly to poor lubrication
of the camshaft. An improved oil spray bar improved matters considerably.
A
replacement for the much missed MK2 1600E did not arrive until late
1973 with the launch of the Mark 3 2000E, this coincided with a general
update of the range with over 100 subtle improvements including ventilation,
suspension and lighting.
All models except the 1300 cc version now featured the overhead cam
engine.
My own 1300 model always seemed quick though, after owning the car for
around a year, I found out why...the last owner had dropped in a 1600
cc engine!
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Mark
3 Cortina picture gallery...
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An advert from South Africa for the 1973
Mark 3 Cortina.
This model is actually a 3000XLE with a V6 engine!, and was
the equivalent to the UK's 2000E.
Unfortunately, this model was (sadly ?) never launched in the
UK.
Many thanks to Dayle for sending this picture and letting me
use it.
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A Ford promotional picture, from 1973,
of the 2000E, the number plate was shown on several different
coloured models in various pictures!
If you don't believe me look on the back of the record sleeve
of Alexi Sayle's "Hit" Ullo John, got a new motor.
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Me
and my old 2000E which was registered in August 1976 when the
Mark 4 was launched.
Note that the different radiator grill compared to the picture
on the left, there were many variations, also my nice 80's jumper.
Any one seen it around ?(last seen in Ashford, Kent), the car
that is, not the jumper !.
Can
any one guess where this picture was
taken ? (A
few people have guessed correctly)
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Publicity
picture of the Cortina used in the Nescafe advert. It's former
owner informs me that it is really a 2000E model, with under
40,000 miles on the clock.The film company altered the headlights
to earlier GXL specification, perhaps to give it a more 1970's
feel ?
Many thanks to Stuart Ransom for telling me the story and also
allowing me to show the picture. I don't recall the Afro Hair
being a factory option in 1973, do you ?
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Here's
a stunning example of a Mark 3. It is a 1974 model from Trinidad
in the West Indies.
I imagine the climate has helped in maintaining it's excellent
condition ?.
Many thanks to Lee for sending me the picture and letting me
use it.
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Another
stunning Mark 3, also from Trinidad, West Indies.
This
modified model belongs to Brent, who is friends with Lee, who
owns the stunning green 2000E in the above picture.
Many
thanks to Lee and Brent for sending the pictures and letting
me use them.
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A
scan of the 7" single picture disc of
"Ullo John got a new motor" with Alexi Sayle showing his
"passion" for the Mark 3 Cortina.
Many thanks to Chris for sending me this image and his permission
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Clive
Bradford's original Mark 3 2000XL Estate
Clive
originally emailed me some two years ago telling me how he had aquired
a Mark 3 Estate . The car was original and unrestored and had only
coverd 69000 miles.
Here are some images Clive has kindly sent to me.
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| Clive
standing by his pride and joy |
The
Cortina's first show since Clive brought her |
Polished,
shining and looking great ! |
Clive
tells me the car was originally from London/Kent and had been shown
at the Bromley Pageant of Motoring in the 1990's.(Did you ever see
it ?)
The car is an XL model although it appears that the original owner
had a good time with the optional extras brochure as it as the wheels,
wheel arch trims and silver/black side side stripes that were standard
on the GXL model. You can read more about Clives's Cortina Estate
by visiting
his web site.
Jim
Bishop's restored Mark 3 2000E
One
of my oldest friends Bill,
was out in Ashford (Kent UK), one day, and knowing my love (obsession)
with Cortinas, he took this picture, fortunately, the owner Jim
Bishop came along and email adresses were exchanged, here is the
story......
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| Cortina
as "snapped" by my friend Bill in the spring of 2006,
parked in Ashford, Kent UK, However she did not always look
as good as this.......
Jim
found the Cortina in 2001, it had been left in a garden for
7 years with the windows open .
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Jim explained that he had to replace the front wings, inner
and outter sills and make extensive repairs to the A and B
posts and also fabricate many repair panels.
Luckily for the car, Jim was an experienced welder. Oh yes,
the engine was worn out also, luckily a Sierra engine was
to hand and this was
fitted along with a 5 speed gear box.
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A
fitting tribute ! Jim's Cortina is used for a wedding.
Jim
has told me that he is preparing to respary the car again
soon and return her (again) to her former glory.
Jim
has owned 14 Mark 3 Cortinas which makes me feel humble only
having owned 4.
Many
thanks to Jim Bishop for allowing me to use these pictures
and the information he has given to me.
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