Ford Cortina 1.6 L

1980 Ford Cortina 1.6 L Saloon (Mk V) Cosmos Blue with Brown Savannah Cloth. Within the narrative of post war British motoring, few cars capture the everyday elegance and social reach of the Cortina quite like the final-generation Mk V. Introduced in 1979, the Mk V represented the culmination of nearly two decades of Cortina development by Ford a model refined rather than reinvented, offering improved corrosion protection, enhanced interior comfort and a poised, mature design that reflected the changing tastes of the early 1980s. It was the last Cortina to be produced, closing a chapter that had begun in 1962 and cementing the models place as one of Britains most important family saloons. This outstanding example was first registered on 11 January 1980 to Mr Kenneth Childs of Cambridge and remained in his sole ownership for an extraordinary 39 years. During that time it covered just 61,000 miles, a figure that speaks to careful, respectful use rather than neglect. In 2019, the car was acquired and embarked upon a five-year, nut-and-bolt restoration an exhaustive labour of love undertaken with absolute fidelity to original specification. The bodyshell was completely stripped and refurbished to an exceptional standard, with painstaking attention paid to panel fit, paint finish and factory-correct detailing. Finished in its original Cosmos Blue, the car presents today with a depth and clarity rarely seen even when new. Every component has either been rebuilt, carefully repaired, or replaced using refurbished or genuine new old stock parts, ensuring both authenticity and longevity. Crucially, the specification remains exactly as it left the Ford showroom in 1980, right down to trim, finishes and mechanical configuration. Inside, the Brown Savannah cloth interior is a perfect period counterpoint to the exterior colour, warm, inviting and instantly evocative of early-Eighties Ford design. The cabin experience is a time capsule: the textures, the driving position and the subtle mechanical sounds transport the occupant directly back to the era when the Cortina reigned supreme on Britains roads. Power comes from the ever reliable 1.6 litre Pinto engine, breathing through its correct Weber carburettor with manual choke. It starts immediately, settles smoothly and delivers the familiar, honest character for which the Pinto is renowned. The driving experience is refined, composed and entirely in keeping with the Cortinas reputation as a consummate all-rounder. Accompanying the car is an exceptional history file, including original paperwork, handbooks, period showroom sales brochure, and a comprehensive collection of invoices and documentation relating to both long-term ownership and the restoration works. Together, they provide a clear and compelling provenance trail rarely found in cars of this type. Now tax and MOT exempt, the car will nonetheless be supplied with a fresh MOT for complete peace of mind. In museum terms, this Cortina stands as a definitive reference example of the Mk V model, correct, beautifully restored and historically intact. It would grace any classic car show with distinction and would undoubtedly rank among the finest examples on display. For the serious Ford collector or enthusiast, this is not merely an excellent Cortina; it is a benchmark. Absolutely any inspection is welcomed. Dealer facilities include part exchange by consideration, free UK mainland delivery, secure storage, and transport solutions for both import and export. Further images and video documentation are available via our website and Facebook pages.
This 1980 Ford Cortina 1.6 L Saloon is currently available for £14,995 in Daventry Northamptonshire with Petrol engine and Manual gearbox. For more information or to arrange a viewing, click here to send us an email using form below.