How much was a Ford Cortina new?
The Ford Cortina’s price when new varied by generation and trim, with early base models typically priced around the UK’s low thousands in pounds and higher-spec versions pushing the cost higher as the range expanded. In short, the Cortina’s sticker price rose over time as features and safety equipment increased.
To understand how much a Cortina cost at launch, this article surveys typical UK pricing across its major generations, drawing on historical Ford catalogs and contemporary motor press. Prices were year- and market-dependent, and export markets could show different figures.
Pricing snapshot by generation
Below is a generation-by-generation look at typical starting prices for a new Cortina in the UK, noting that trims and options could significantly affect the final figure.
- MkI (1962–1966): Rough starting price around £800–£1,000; higher-spec additions could edge past £1,000.
- MkII (1966–1970): Starting around £900–£1,100; broader trim options often lifted the price to £1,200+.
- MkIII (1968–1976): Early price around £1,000–£1,500; mid- to high-spec variants could approach £1,600.
- MkIV (1976–1982): Base models commonly around £2,000; well-equipped versions could be £2,500–£3,000 or more.
- MkV (1982–1987/89): Entry-level near £3,000; mid-range and top trims often £3,500–£4,000 or higher.
Notes: These figures are approximate starting prices for typical UK-market versions and reflect general trends, not every trim or option. Actual prices varied by year, market, and equipment such as GT, Ghia, or sport packages.
Regional variations and historical context
The Cortina was primarily a British mainstay, with regional price differences in export markets such as Ireland and various Continental European countries. Local taxes, import duties, and standard equipment changes could shift the list price of a given model. In some markets Ford offered sportier or more feature-rich trims earlier, which could push the sticker price higher. The car’s price trajectory also tracked broader inflation and the automaker’s shift toward more comprehensive standard equipment in the 1970s and 1980s.
Summary
The Ford Cortina’s price when new climbed from the early-1960s level of roughly £800–£1,000 in the UK to mid- to high-thousands by the late 1980s for mid-range and top trims. While exact figures varied by generation, year, trim, and export market, the overall arc shows a steady rise in cost corresponding to added features and evolving market expectations. The Cortina’s price history mirrors its evolution from a basic family car to a more capable, feature-rich sedan over two decades.
