Years of manufacture: 1962-1966
Price when new: £643
Price now: £500-£55,000
Engine: 1,498cc 4cyl petrol, 60bhp
Top speed: 82mph
In the early sixties, car makers across Europe were experimenting with all sorts of innovative technology.
But Ford shunned it all for its new car, using tried-and-trusted mechanicals that were cheap to produce and maintain.
Private and company motorists alike loved the Cortina – or Consul Cortina, as it was named at its launch in 1962.
It was easy to drive, comfortable and just the right size for a family. A twin-cam Lotus version became a legend on the track, too, and helped give the car a sexier image.
It paved the way for the later Cortinas to become Britain’s best-seller from 1972-81.
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