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Mk 5 - 1979–1982

The Mk V came about in September 1979, orginally as a facelift version of the Mk IV known as the “Cortina 80″. Mk V tag was given to it by the press, enthusiasts and the general public.

The differences in the Mk V from the older Mk IV include, larger rear tail lights, larger front indicators which meant no need for a side indicator as on the Mk IV, newer grille which was said to be more aerodynamically efficient, more squarer edges around the roof, better visability for the driver, restyles bumpers with black plastic end caps and upgraded trim options

Variants included the regular Base, L, GL, GLS and Ghia variants, although various ’special editions’ were announced, including the Sport (S pack) and Crusader.

Up until 1981, the Cortina was the best selling car in Britain. The production of the Cortina came to a cease when the last cortina rolled off the production line in 1982, when ford replaced it for the new Sierra.

Many various body styles of the Mk V came out including 2 door and 4 door saloons, station wagons and sometimes seen in ute form.

Engines included 1.3/1.6/2.0L crossflow, and 2.3L v6.

In New Zealand the more commonly seen Mk V cortinas are 4 door saloons and station wagons powered by the 2.0L pinto engine, although there are a few floating around in the 1.6L and 2.3L forms aswell as the 2 door versions.

Mk 4 - 1976–1979

The Mk IV had a more square-shaped style than the previous MK III. it is basically a rebody of the Mk III as it is on the shame chassis, this is also the case for the Mk V. Many parts were carried over from the Mk III, such as the dashboard design but as said before, the most noticable was the running gear/chassis.

This version of the cortina gave birth the the Ghia model which was top of the range with all the luxury trim options, this bascially replaced the 2000E. The 2.3L v6 engine was introduced in the Mk IV which was seen as an engine above the 2.0 pinto.

Many various body styles of the Mk IV came out including 2 door and 4 door saloons, station wagons (estate)

Engines included 1.3/1.6/2.0L crossflow, and 2.3L v6.

In New Zealand the more commonly seen Mk IV cortinas are 4 door saloons and station wagons powered by the 2.0L pinto engine, although there are a few floating around in the 1.6L and 2.3L forms.

Mk 3 - 1970–1976

Ford originally wanted to call the Mk III something other than Cortina, but the name Cortina stuck. The Mk III has more curves than the boxy Mk II and looks a lot larger although it is the same length, but it is 10cm wider. To me it has some australian muscle car styling in the design, surely the most beasty looking version of the Cortina

The different trim levels were Base, L (Luxury), XL (Xtra Luxury), GT (Grand Touring) and GXL (Grand Xtra Luxury) which was later replaced by the 2000E. Four headlights and Rostyle wheels were a trademark of the GT and GXL versions, while the GXL also had bodyside rubstrips, a vinyl roof and a brushed metal and black tail panel on the GXL and plain black one on the GT. All models featured new updated running gear, with coil suspension all round running a double wishbone setup in the front, opposed the the Mk II’s leaf rear and MacPherson strut front end.

Engine wise, they ran either a 1.3/1.6 kent or a 1.6/2.0 pinto. They came out in 2/4 door saloons, and estates.

In New Zealand now, there are still a few 4 door saloons floating around, definately more than any 2 door saloons that are still around. Station wagon wise, probably up there with 2 door saloons, you’d be pushed to find one, and if you did its probably been modifyed/restored and will cost you an arm and leg.

Mk 2 - 1966–1970

The engines were the same as the Mk I pre-crossflow in the first year, then they were changed to a crossflow which made they more efficient. This means they now came out in 1.3L and 1.6L, the Lotus version still had its own twincam engine. One of the popular and well known models was the 1600E which held the 1.6L engine.

2/4-door saloons were availavle and also a 4 door estate. Trims were base, Deluxe, Super, GT, 1600E.

The 1600E had all the nice sporty extras which were appealing to people, eg, lowered suspension from the Lotus, a high tune GT 1600 Kent engine and luxury trim. Also bucket seats, sports steering wheel and a different instrument cluster featuring things like a tacho which were not included in some other models, a vinyl roof and rolled on Rostyle wheels.

Mk 1 - 1962-1966

The Mk I is one of the more popular Cortina’s these days, of which the popular/well known models were the Lotus and GT. They came off the production line with either 1.2 L and 1.5 L engines in 2 and 4-door saloon and 4-door estate forms. Trims available were base (standard), deluxe, super and GT although they werent all available on all body styles.

The engines which powered these little beasts were 4 cylinder pushrod engines, theses engines are known as the “pre-crossflow”, as intake and exhaust were both on the same side. The most notable engine which came out in these, was the 1.5L which was used in the GT Cortina, which produced a humble 78bhp. This engine was worked from factory with, a mild camshaft profile, larger port head, extractors and a double barrel weber carb.

Lotus Cortina’s all came out as 2 door saloons painted white with a green stripe painted either side, they also ran a twincam 1.6L engine which was based on the crossflow engine and made by lotus.

This is a site I have been a member of for around 3 years and post regularly on. The site consists of some forums and a big group of dudes (and a few girls) who are into their oldschool cars. The site isnt aimed at any one make or model of car, but just on the whole anything that is old! Most members have project threads of their cars for the rest of us to admire and discuss. An example of the selection of cars are Escort’s, Corolla’s, Gemini’s, Lancer’s and cars less commonly choosen for projects such as Fiat’s, Alfa Romeo’s, Humber’s. Members often gather every so often to check out each others cars and there is a big yearly meet and trackday which goes off.  I personally found the site while looking for information on my Ford Cortina. Don’t know why i’ve written this much about the site best you just check it out for youself! oldschool.co.nz