Registration - CGR 797C

Chassis No. - BA84ER09866

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 68,881

For much of its 20-year reign, the Cortina was Britain’s best-selling car, over 2.8 million of which were sold on the UK market. Yet how often do you see one now - especially a MKI example as tidy and original as the one offered here? In 56 years it has had only four keepers, the first two of which were father and son. The son apparently commenced a period of rolling refurbishment that was completed by the third owner. Rather than the amateur patching that afflicts so many cars of a certain age, the repairs to ‘CGR 797C’ involved new metal where required, and were professionally administered. The impressive red leatherette interior is evidently almost entirely original, with only the carpets and over-mats being of later manufacture. The only departures from standard specification are an electronic ignition system, stainless steel exhaust, door mirrors and the cigarette lighter socket that was fitted to power an aftermarket SAT/NAV. The vendor confirms that the car is mechanically up to scratch throughout, and that it rides on ‘good’ tyres. Overall he currently classes the 1500cc Kent engine as ‘excellent’, and the four-speed manual gearbox, four-door bodywork, Ermin White paintwork and upholstery as ‘good’. This fine example of one of Britain’s most successful cars of all time has remained within the same ownership since 2010 and, though it comes without supporting paperwork, the vendor is confident the indicated mileage of 68,881 is correct.

The Cortina moniker was inspired by the venue for the 1956 winter Olympics – the Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. To publicise the launch, examples of the MKI were driven down the town’s Olympic bobsled run.

In summary:

• A very tidy, low ownership, modest mileage example
• The subject of a professional rolling refurbishment
• Benefits from electronic ignition and stainless steel exhaust system