Ford Cortina (United Kingdom, 1966-1970)

The second generation Ford Cortina was released in 1966 and carried on with the previous Mk1’s sales success by even exceeding it. The Mk2 Cortina was launched in four available trim versions, to which later joined a fifth one: standard, Deluxe, Super, GT and then 1600E. Each one of these trims was given the choice of engine and transmission type as well.

In 1967 the Ford Cortina became visibly the most popular automobile in the United Kingdom. Despite a small 4-year lifespan, over 1 millions copies of the Mk2 Cortina were sold until the end of its production run in 1970 (1.159.389 units in the UK).

The Mk2 Cortina retain the previous generation’s front engine and rear-wheel drive arrangement. 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines were available for the early Mk2 cars and a 1.2-liter version was added for just some markets. The 1.5-liter unit received an upgrade and was uptuned to 1.6 litres, producing 88 hp and allowing the Cortina a top speed of 87 mi/h (140 km/h), besides a 0–60 mi/h performance in 15 seconds. A 3.0-liter V6 engine was privately developed for the South African market’s Mk2 Cortina. This model works with a 4-speed manual transmission.

(no data)   Platform (no data)   Suspension MacPherson strut front suspension   Steering (no data)   Brakes Front Girling hydraulic disc brakes and rear drums.

The Mk2 Cortina was styled by designer Roy Haynes, who conceived a wider and more angular bodyshell than the Mk1’s, with a more ample grille as well. Two- and four-door sedans were available at the Mk2’s launch, to which a 5-door wagon form joined few months later. A 2-door convertible body was also available by conversion.