1970 Ford Cortina MkII GT

Built in Ford South Africa’s Port Elizabeth plant in May 1970, this Cortina MkII 1600GT four-door saloon has spent the last 50 years in that largely rust-free climate, moving around between the Cape provinces and the former Transvaal region.

We understand that the car ended up in the personal ownership of the SA Cortina Club’s President and as you might imagine he really cherished it - after all it wouldn’t be proper for the club chief to own anything other than a top example.

Imported to the UK earlier this year, it now has its NOVA clearance letter and is ready to be registered with the DVLA.

The Ermine White paintwork across the exterior of the Cortina is in a fabulous condition, damn near perfect in fact. The bodywork too appears undamaged, mostly straight and nicely aligned. The bonnet is secured with pins, as much for the competition-look as for the extra peace of mind in case a 50-year-old latch suddenly lets go at speed.

The black vinyl roof appears maybe a little uneven close up but is clean, very black and, as far as we can see, undamaged.

The chromework is pretty good too, although there are a couple of nicks on the bumper and some patina around the headlamps - but nothing that overly detracts from the great look of this car.

The Cortina sits on modern 13-inch Minilite-style SA Custom Zero chromed alloy wheels, which look in great order and are all fitted with Nankang Toursport tyres dating from 2013.

Take some time to scrutinise the detailed photos of the car in the gallery - aside from inspecting the car in person (which we would welcome) - it is the best way to get a feel for how well this car has been prepared and kept.

The interior is equally as good as the outside, the black vinyl seating and door trims look fresh and with no apparent wear or damage. There’s a feeling of renewal throughout the cabin and, although not all is period-original, it looks much as it did having just left the factory back in 1970. The instrument panel in particular looks extremely good, cloaked in black vinyl with a lovely quartet of secondary dials inset centrally and some charmingly analogue controls.

The extras and additions to stock would include the period wood-rimmed 3-spoke sports steering wheel and the aluminium “piston head” gear knob and perforated pedals, as well as what looks like a bespoke centre console, trimmed in vinyl to match the rest of the interior.

The Stereo CD/MP3 player is, of course, a much later addition too, and is connected to Pioneer speakers mounted on the rear parcel shelf.

The black carpeting appears clean and tidy throughout and the vinyl headlining above looks unmarked and intact front to back.

Once you’ve undone the pins and the catch, the engine bay doesn’t disappoint. It is as clean as the outside, maybe more so. The block is painted in Ford blue and the rocker cover in bright red, whilst both the inlet and exhaust manifolds are silvered. The chromed air cleaner sitting on top adds another touch of bling - although the titivation is not over done. All other hoses, cables and fittings look in good, renewed condition too.

Underneath the car, the only part of the car where you’ll find any dirt, has a good covering of underseal and evidence of recent renewal or refurbishment to the brakes and suspension. There are a few patches of light surface rust, like around the jacking points and on the rear leaf springs, but nothing that appears to be of any consequence.

The boot is quite spacious and is well lined with clean and tidy carpeting and a foam underlay. Mounted to one side is a full size spare alloy wheel. The boot lid itself, like the rest of the car is pretty immaculate without a speck of rust.

This Cortina has a current MOT until 08-04-2022, which was passed without advisories. 

The car comes with its SA registration title dated 31 December 2020 and HMRC NOVA clearance letter dated 13 Apr 2021. Completing a UK registration with a V55/5 form is a simple next step for the new owner. There is also a vintage Olyslager Motor Manual.

As with so many imported cars, there is no other paperwork from its time abroad, so potential bidders will need to set their budget based on its current condition.

If you’d like to inspect the Cortina prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

Although the MkII Cortina may not have quite the same appeal these days as the MkI, it is a technically superior car and in GT specification it’s only one step down from the awesome Lotus Cortina.

There is a real nostalgia-driven interest and desirability for classic Fords - as for those of a certain age, these were the cars that your dad drove when you were a kid. In the days long before satellite navigation, you sat (unsecured) in the back seat for hours as your parents magically found their way through central London heading for a south coast resort for your summer holiday.

We think this Presidential southern hemisphere example, presented in an absolutely stunning condition inside and out will sell for between £15,000 and £25,000.

As soon as the DVLA issues the new owner a registration number, there’s nothing to stop them getting out and about, just as the country’s car show calendar gets back up and running.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.