Lot 22: Ford Cortina Mk II 1600E

1967 was a notable year for the Ford Cortina; first an estate version was added to the recently launched Mk II range, followed by a Lotus Twin-Cam powered 2-door saloon.  Later in the year, cross-flow cylinder heads were fitted and the 1500 engine replaced by a new 1600cc unit.  Another new derivative was added to the range at the Paris Show that autumn  a new 'executive express' using a GT engine, Lotus suspension and sitting on wide-rimmed, chromed Rostyle wheels.  The interior was luxurious with reclining seats and a wooden dashboard and door cappings.  From the outside the car could be further distinguished by a stylish coachline and the bootlid-mounted '1600E' badge.This 1968 example was fully restored between 1990 and 1991 to a standard more usually found on far more exotic motorcars and has subsequently been a top national concours award winner.  During the restoration, virtually all the outer body panels were replaced along with the boot floor sections, these being refitted with the correct number of spot-welds and aligned and finished with body solder before being resprayed in Magenta metallic 2-pack.  Inside, the upholstery was replaced in black leather to the pattern of the original vinyl, the woodwork refurbished and a new headlining and black deep pile carpets fitted.  A thorough and comprehensive mechanical overhaul and refurbishment was carried out and a new vinyl roof and full-length sunroof were fitted, along with a new top-tinted front and rear screen.  Today, the condition remains exemplary with less than 9,000 miles being covered since the work was finished, and the car is as clean underneath, inside and in the engine bay as it is on the topside.