What is the engine code for the Ford Cortina Mk1?

There isn’t a single universal engine code for the Ford Cortina Mk1; Ford used several engines, primarily from the Kent family, across different trims and markets during its Mk1 production run.

Overview of the Mk1 Cortina’s engine options

The Cortina Mk1 was offered with more than one engine option, and the engine code varied by displacement and market. The two most common Mk1 configurations were built around the Kent OHV engine family, with engines roughly in the 1.2- and 1.5-litre ranges. The exact factory engine code depends on year, model variant and region, and is typically stamped on the engine block or listed in the original build records.

Core engine options

Before listing the main engine choices associated with most Mk1 Cortinas, note that exact codes can vary by year and market. The following displacements were the standard offerings in the Mk1 lineup:

• 1.2-litre Kent OHV four-cylinder (approximately 1,198 cc) — base engine in early Mk1s


• 1.5-litre Kent OHV four-cylinder (approximately 1,498 cc) — available on higher trims and performance-oriented variants

These two displacements encompassed the majority of Mk1 Cortinas. Regional specifications and special editions occasionally used other calibration options, but the Kent family powered the vast majority of Mk1 models.

How to identify the exact engine code for your Cortina Mk1

The engine code is not universal across all Mk1 cars. To confirm the precise code for a specific vehicle, you should locate the engine stamping and cross-check with the original build data or Ford service manuals. Engine codes can shift with production runs and regional variants, so documentation is essential for an exact match.

Steps to verify your engine code include:

• Inspect the engine block for a stamped code near standard identifiers such as the timing cover or serial area.


• Check the vehicle’s data plate, VIN, and any available build sheet or invoices to correlate the engine to the chassis.

For restoration projects or precise parts matching, many enthusiasts rely on Ford’s historic workshops, parts catalogs, and archived factory documentation to map the engine code to the corresponding displacement, carburetion, and ancillaries.

Summary

The Ford Cortina Mk1 did not have a single engine code. It used multiple Kent OHV engines, most commonly in 1.2- and 1.5-litre configurations, with the exact code varying by year and market. To determine the precise engine code for a specific Mk1 Cortina, consult the engine stamping and the car’s original build documentation or Ford’s historical manuals.

In short, the Mk1’s identity rests more on its engine family and displacement than on a single universal code, making documentation and block stamping essential for accuracy.

What engine is in a Ford Cortina?

The Ford Cortina was available with a range of engines throughout its production, from the early 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter overhead valve (OHV) pre-crossflow Kent engines to later 1.6-liter crossflow engines and even larger V6 and Twin-Cam options for specific markets and performance versions. The most common engines were four-cylinder designs, but the engine choice varied significantly by model year and region, with some South American models featuring the 3.0-liter Essex V6.
 
You can watch this video to see a modified Cortina with a Cosworth YB engine: 1mMOTOR ADDICTSYouTube · Jul 27, 2025
Early Cortina (Mark I)

• 1.2L (1198cc) & 1.5L (1498cc): These were the original engines, an enlarged version of the Anglia's 997cc engine. The 1.5L was available in two forms: a standard version and a more powerful GT version tuned for more horsepower.
• Engine Type: Both were 4-cylinder pushrod (OHV) pre-crossflow units, meaning the inlet and exhaust ports were on the same side of the cylinder head.
• GT Version: This performance-tuned 1.5L engine featured a different camshaft, a revised cylinder head, larger ports, and a Weber twin-choke carburetor. 

Later Cortina Models

• 1.3L, 1.6L: Later models introduced engines like the 1.3L and 1.6L. Some 1.6L versions used the "Pinto" engine, a more modern design that replaced earlier pre-crossflow units. 
• 1.6L Crossflow: Later 1600E and GT models received a high-performance version of the 1600cc crossflow engine, which had a higher compression ratio. 
• Twin-Cam: Lotus-tuned versions featured a 1.6L Twin-Cam engine, which was available in the Lotus Cortina Mk1 and Mk2. 
• 3.0L Essex V6: Some South African models, including the XLE, used a 3.0-liter V6 engine from the Zodiac. 
• Inline Sixes: Australian models in the 1970s received 200ci and 250ci inline six-cylinder engines from the local Ford Falcon. 

You can watch this video to learn about a Ford Cortina with a 2.0L Zetec engine: 1mTwin Engine CorsaYouTube · Dec 16, 2024

How do I find my Ford engine code?

Code your engine code can be found on the driver's side valve. Cover under the hood. And here is an example of Drew locating his engine. Code.

What engines did the Cortina Mk1 have?

Mark I (1962–1966)

Cortina Mark I
Engine	1.2 L Kent I4 1.5 L Kent I4 1.6 L Twin-Cam I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	98 in (2,489 mm)

How do you identify a Mk1 Cortina GT?

How To Spot A Real GT

1. Chassis Numbers. These are the same, whether you are dealing with an early or late vehicle.
2. Badges. Rear wing badges – look for three clean punched holes in the rear wing, to accept the G.T.
3. Late G.T.
4. Pre-Airflow – '63/'64 3-dial dash.
5. Rear Axle.
6. Callipers.
7. Discs shields.
8. Handbrake.