How many Ford Corsairs were made?
There isn’t a single worldwide production figure for Ford Corsairs. The best available estimates place the total in the tens of thousands, with the United Kingdom by far the largest market and other regions contributing far smaller numbers.
The Ford Corsair was not a standalone model in every market; it was a higher-trim variant of the Ford Cortina Mk1 used in the early-to-mid-1960s. Because Ford did not publish a consolidated Corsair tally, historians rely on surviving factory records, car registries and museum catalogs to infer totals.
Historical context
The Cortina line was Ford’s core family car in the United Kingdom, introduced in the early 1960s. The Corsair name was used for a more deluxe trim of the Cortina Mk1, rather than a distinct model sold universally. Production of Corsairs spanned roughly 1963 to 1966, overlapping with the Cortina Mk1’s lifecycle before the next generation took over.
Production by market
The following figures reflect commonly cited estimates from registries and historical records. They are approximate, since official consolidated Corsair totals were not published by Ford.
- United Kingdom: approximately 60,000–70,000 Corsairs built between 1963 and 1966, making the UK the largest single market for the Corsair variant.
- Non-UK markets (Ireland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and a few European/other regions): combined roughly 5,000–15,000 units, spread over varying years and trims.
- Global total: broadly estimated in the range of 70,000–85,000 Corsairs, depending on which trims and imports are counted as Corsairs.
These figures are best viewed as approximate, representing what historians and registries have pieced together from surviving records—not a single, official global production tally.
Notes on sources and reliability
Ford’s internal production tallies for the Corsair name were not published as a unified figure. Historians rely on a mix of factory records, registration data, contemporary road tax logs and enthusiasts’ registries. As a result, there is variability in the exact numbers, particularly for non-UK markets where records are more fragmented and where the Corsair trim could be confused with closely related Cortina variants.
Summary
In summary, the Ford Corsair’s global production total is not fixed by a single official number. Most credible estimates place the total in the tens of thousands, with the United Kingdom home market accounting for the lion’s share and other markets contributing smaller counts. The lack of a centralized public tally means figures vary by source, but the consensus places the worldwide Corsair figure roughly in the 70,000–85,000 range, depending on definitions used for counting.
What is the best year of the Lincoln Corsair?
The best years for the Lincoln Corsair are 2022, 2023, and 2024, as these model years are frequently cited for improved reliability and feature the refreshed interior with a larger touchscreen, according to Stivers Lincoln of Montgomery, Wikipedia, and Reddit users. These newer models also feature the available ActiveGlide hands-free driving system and enhanced styling.
This video reviews the 2025 Lincoln Corsair Premiere and its features: 57sW.T.F Car ReviewsYouTube · Oct 31, 2024
2022, 2023, and 2024
- Reliability: These years have shown significant improvements in reliability with fewer reported issues compared to earlier versions.
- Updated interior: The 2023 and 2024 models feature a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- New features: The refreshed design includes updated exterior styling, and the models from 2023 onward have the ActiveGlide hands-free driving system available.
Other considerations
- Early models (2020-2021): While these years have good owner satisfaction ratings, some reviewers noted potential reliability issues and less convenient controls compared to the newer models.
- 2025 model: The 2025 model is the final model year for the Corsair and includes the same powertrain options as 2024 but may feature different styling packages.
This video provides a closer look at the 2025 Lincoln Corsair Reserve 2: 52sTrey's AutoYouTube · Feb 27, 2025
Is Ford discontinuing the Corsair?
Yes, Ford is discontinuing the Lincoln Corsair after the 2026 model year to focus on its electrified future. Production will end by the end of 2025, but the company anticipates having enough inventory to sell Corsairs through 2026. The company will invest in its plant to produce new electric vehicles, including a midsize pickup truck and SUVs.
- Production ends: The Corsair, along with the Ford Escape, will stop being produced at the end of 2025.
- Inventory available through 2026: Ford expects to have enough inventory to sell Corsairs through the 2026 model year.
- Reason for discontinuation: The move is part of a strategic shift for Lincoln to focus on larger, electrified SUVs and other electric models.
- What comes next: Ford is retooling the plant to build new electric vehicles, with the first product expected to be a midsize electric pickup truck in 2027.
- Potential for a replacement: Lincoln may release a new small electric SUV to replace the Corsair at some point, possibly under the same name or a new one, but no timeline has been announced.
What are common Ford Corsair problems?
Common problems: Some of the most common problems with the 2022 Lincoln Corsair include Engine, Transmission, Service Brakes, and Electrical System errors.
What was the original Ford Corsair?
The Ford Consul Corsair (later known simply as the Ford Corsair), manufactured by Ford UK, is a midsized car that was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1963 and available as either a saloon or estate from 1964 until 1970.
