Talk me out of a Cortina!

shown73

Have a look in Smiths, there are mags devoted to "classic" Fords, and they are bound to have adverts. They weren't bad cars at all, especially the mk3, despite its well known camshaft problem, and there was a mod kit for that anyway. The mk2 was quite a pocket rocket in its day, thanks to its "chuckability." Don't forget, they are far more simple to maintain/repair than todays computerised, sensored, strangulated, jobbies. Just as well, of course! The other killer point is, of course, zero depreciation.

wifeforlife

Weekends covered in oil and watching the other half pottering around in my funky ford cortina, whilst I sit behind the wheel pretending to be driving, sounds pretty perfect to me!

Get it, get it, get it lol

Cate

Emmzi

Ok.. will geek about motor magazines shop later.. and see what I can find..

.. just so I know what to save up for....

.. and test drive...

.. and not make impulse buys, oh no, not me...

Alikay

If you're going to be doing the tinkering yourself or have a mate who'll help get the Cortina (I especially like the Mk2 1600E or the MK3 GXL with black vinyl roof!). If you'll be paying a garage to do the work, get something sensible!!

We also had one of the early 80's Audi's which was very nice to drive.

Emmzi

As a first step, lolol, I have written to a local builders to get a quote for a garage... which makes sense as a starter. The cost of that, I'm sure, will put me off it.

Stephen_Leak

As Anewman says, I'd be very surprised if you could find one that (like my "Mk.4"/Cortina 80 when I had it 20 years ago) hasn't "biodegraded".

manda1205

Stephen_Leak wrote: »

As Anewman says, I'd be very surprised if you could find one that (like my "Mk.4"/Cortina 80 when I had it 20 years ago) hasn't "biodegraded".

You'd be surprised, my OH is a grage door sales man and he says the number of old, immaculate cars he sees in peoples garages that obviously never go out on the road is amazing, usually old people who have had them from new and just don't like to part with them.

Stephen_Leak

photome wrote: »

it was a wallowy old thing (wasnt that old).

I thought mine was "a wallowy old thing" even then. Their only saving grace was that they were a lot of car (in terms of metal) for the money.

nullogik

Try to go for Classic Car Insurance, once you get the Cortina. Its a lot cheaper, especially if its going to be your second car and you're going to do very little mileage in it.

newsseller12

I have 2 1970's ford escorts and can honestly say they are great, I am no expert on mechanics and bodywork but I have managed to keep them alive for the last 12 years, also being 2nd cars and not my main vehicle there is no rush to carry out a repair so I can take my time with it and it becomes more of a hobby instead of a chore!
If you are looking to buy an old ford I would advise to not worry too much about the mechanicals as they are plentiful and cheap but to concentrate on getting the best bodywork you can as welding takes some skill and certian body panels are now rare or unobtainable.