When did the first Ford Cortina come out?
The Ford Cortina, a mid-sized family car, made its debut in 1962 and quickly became one of the most popular and influential automobiles of its era. This iconic model marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the automotive industry, setting new standards for design, performance, and affordability.
The Birth of the Ford Cortina
The Ford Cortina was first introduced in September 1962 as a response to the growing demand for practical and affordable family cars in the United Kingdom. Developed by Ford's British division, the Cortina was designed to be a practical, comfortable, and stylish vehicle that could cater to the needs of a wide range of consumers.
Design and Features
The original Ford Cortina featured a sleek and modern design, with a distinctive front grille, rounded fenders, and a spacious interior. The car was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, and a station wagon, allowing customers to choose the configuration that best suited their needs.
Under the hood, the Cortina was powered by a range of four-cylinder engines, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The car's suspension and handling were also praised for their responsiveness and comfort, making it a popular choice for both daily commutes and longer road trips.
Impact and Legacy
The Ford Cortina quickly became a best-seller in the UK, with over 2 million units sold during its production run from 1962 to 1982. The car's success was due in part to its affordability, reliability, and versatility, which made it a practical choice for families and businesses alike.
Beyond its commercial success, the Cortina also had a significant impact on the automotive industry as a whole. The car's design and engineering influenced the development of many other mid-sized family cars, and its popularity helped to establish Ford as a leading manufacturer in the UK and Europe.
Today, the Ford Cortina is remembered as a classic of its era, a symbol of the changing automotive landscape in the 1960s and 1970s. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire car enthusiasts and collectors around the world, who appreciate the Cortina's timeless design and its place in automotive history.
What was the American equivalent to the Ford Cortina?
But back in 1964, its USDM equivalent would be the Ford Fairlane. While the Fairlane was 5,002 mm (197“) long, hulking sedan riding on a 2,934 mm (115.5“) wheelbase, with a 2.8-litre straight six (145hp) as a base engine (a 4.7/289 c.i. V8 with 271hp was available), the Cortina was a different beast altogether.
What is the famous Ford Cortina?
The Cortina was Britain's most popular new car in 1967, achieving the goal that Ford had been trying to achieve since it set out to create the original Cortina back in 1962. This interrupted the long run of BMC's 1100/1300 range as Britain's best-selling car.
Which was the best Cortina?
For the 'normal' models, the Mk3 Cortina was the king. You could have the base model, the L, the XL, the GT and the GXL. Oh, and of course, the 2000E. That's 400 better than the 1600E before it.
How much was a gallon of milk in 1972?
1972: 52 cents
In 1972, the cost of milk was only 52 cents a gallon. People might not have realized it at the time, but this would mark the end of a period of relative stable milk prices and beginning of rapid increases.
How much is a 1966 Ford Cortina worth?
All 1966 Ford Cortina body types
| Year | Make | Average value |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Ford | £ 9,800 |
| 1963 | Ford | £ 10,300 |
| 1966 | Ford | £ 6,400 |
| 1966 | Ford | £ 6,100 |
Was the Ford Cortina sold in the US?
Ford actually imported LHD versions of the Cortina to sell in the US in the late 1960s. Sales were disappointing. The best year for Ford Cortina sales in the US was in 1969 with almost 23,000 units sold. For 1970, US Cortina sales dropped by more than 50% to barely over 10,000 vehicles.
How much was a Ford Cortina in 1972?
In March 1972, an entry-level Cortina would cost you £963, with the most expensive version reaching £1,210. Adjust the Cortina's prices for inflation between 1972 and 2022, and it would sell for between £13,520 and £16,988 today according to the Bank of England.
What is the most used Ford in the US?
Ford F-Series
The Ford F-150's offers the best attributes of a modern pickup: power, efficiency, comfort and capability. Add to that a huge range of configurations and options, and you've got the best-selling vehicle in America for 2023.
Did Ford make a V8 Cortina?
Ford Australia's product planners gave consideration to a TC Cortina V8. While it didn't follow through on bringing this car to life, one enthusiast has. JOIN NOW! An early 1970s Cortina with a factory-fitted V8?
Why was the Ford Cortina discontinued?
The 80s demanded a new shape, and a fresh design was what the decade got. The name had to change too, though – but the replacement was almost too radical for Ford's own good. So, the straightforward Cortina was axed, and the all-new Ford Sierra was ushered in.
