CLASSICS CHATTER AUCTION UPDATES: 1967 FORD CORTINA Mk .II 1500GT CRAYFORD CONVERTIBLE

Wednesday 19 August 2015

1967 FORD CORTINA Mk .II 1500GT CRAYFORD CONVERTIBLE - Historics @ Brooklands 29-08-15

COMING TO AUCTION

SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2015

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE 2015

1967 FORD CORTINA Mk .II 1500GT CRAYFORD CONV

1967 Ford Cortina Mk .II 1500GT Crayford Convertible

Registration: SML880F

Chassis: BA96GE45609

Engine: tbc

Odometer: 63000

Estimate: £16,000-£20,000

The second incarnation of the Cortina was designed by Roy Haynes and launched on 18th October, 1966, four years after the original Cortina. Although the launch was accompanied by the slogan 'New Cortina is more Cortina', the car, at 16 feet long, was fractionally shorter than before. Its 2½ inches of extra width and curved side panels provided more interior space. Other improvements included a smaller turning circle, softer suspension, self-adjusting brakes and clutch, together with the availability on the smaller-engined models, of a new five-bearing, 1300cc engine. A month later, in August, the 1300 received a new crossflow cylinder head design making it more efficient, while a crossflow 1600 replaced the 1500. The Cortina was Britain's most popular new car in 1967, achieving the goal that Ford had been trying to achieve since it set out to create the original Cortina back in 1962. Period reviews were favourable concerning both the styling and performance. Again, two-door and four-door saloons were offered with base, Deluxe, Super, GT and, later, 1600E trims available.

Originally registered on 11th August 1967, this Mk. II Cortina is one of only seven pre-crossflow Crayford convertibles. With Mk. II 1500GT numbers remaining in single figures, this could well be the only Crayford convertible left making this a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of motoring history. Full photographic evidence is available of the restoration and the car presents in very good order throughout. The mileage of 63,000 miles is thought to be correct but not warranted. Supplied with a V5 registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 16th July 2016, together with a history file, with classic Fords being in huge demand of late, this 1500GT Crayford is sure to attract considerable interest.