1981 Ford Cortina GL |

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1981 Ford Cortina GL

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£4,028

Mileage~77,396
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine2.0L
LocationGreat Yarmouth

SOLD

1981 Ford Cortina GL

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Richard Gormley

Automotive Writer and Photographer

The MK V was the most refined Cortina ever – this example is keeping the legend alive.

Ford hit on a winning formula with the Cortina. Originally developed to compete in the medium car sector, primarily against BMC, the Cortina quickly established itself as a huge hit with the public. Firmly positioned as a best seller and benefitting from huge brand and model loyalty the Cortina ultimately went through five iterations culminating in the Mark V, which brought production to a close in 1982. With nearly 3 million cars being sold over a 20-year production run the Cortina's place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide was guaranteed.

This MK V GL comes to auction after 3 years with its current owner. It’s in very good overall condition and benefits from the 2.0L Pinto engine coupled to a Borg Warner automatic gearbox. In great all-round condition this is something of a classic. The interior is particularly stunning and epitomises the early 80’s, being presented in beige velour with coffee-coloured carpets and wood effect dash.

This listing was written from information supplied by Richard after meeting Richard the owner's son, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This is a lovely car and so original – my father is a huge Ford fan and he just had to have it.

Richard is selling the car on behalf of his father, he tells us; “My father has owned this car for around 3 years. He loves Fords and has owned many models of Cortina over the years. It’s a great car to drive, comfortable, quiet and responsive”.

He goes on to say; “The interior is highly original and is in superb condition – it really turns heads when you’re out in it, as you really don’t see many of them around now”. Richard will be happy to answer any questions about this lovely Cortina in the comments section below.

Richard

Vehicle Owner

Richard saved £0,720* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

In stunning gold metallic finish, this lovely GL spec, MK V Cortina captures the spirit of the 80’s perfectly.

Wheels and Tyres

The 14-inch wheels are shod mainly with 175/65R tyres, one tyre looks to be a smaller width, all look in ok condition. The steel wheels are fitted with plastic hub caps as pictured.

Please have a look at the photos and video below to asses the condition of the wheels and tyres for yourself.

Bodywork

The car stands straight, shut lines appear good and all four doors, bonnet and boot open and close cleanly and precisely. Overall, the bodywork is good condition. There is some age-related wear and tear as you would expect, most notably a small dent in the lower section of the driver’s door and a small area of corrosion on the base of the offside rear door.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The lovely, period, gold metallic paint is generally good and the finish retains a good shine meaning the car presents well. In certain lights there is a little inconsistency in colour match between some panels as pictured.

There is evidence of minor repairs to the paint, particularly to some small stone chips on the bonnet. The roof has some significant scratches and will require attention to bring it up to the standard of the rest of the car.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen, side windows and rear screen all appear in good condition. The lights, lenses and mirrors all look sound and unbroken as well.

Chrome trim and badging look in really good shape. There is some minor damage to the corners of the black plastic bumper trim as shown in the images. Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Coffee coloured carpets, velour trim and wood effect dash – a perfect period cabin.

Seats and Carpets

The seats and headrests in this car are in very good condition showing very little sign of wear. Even the driver’s seat bolster is largely unmarked. The cream carpets are in great shape in exposed areas and under the floor mats too, the headlining is also clean and unmarked.

Dashboard

The wood effect dashboard is clean and showing few signs of wear. All dials look in good condition and the perspex is clear with little sign of scratching or clouding. All switches appear unbroken, and the period radio looks sound, although we were unable to test this.

Please take the time to look at the hi resolution images and video of the interior so that you can assess the condition for yourself.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The black vinyl covered steering wheel is in very good shape, we could see no splits or marks on it.

The Ford branded centre badging has retained its colour well. Likewise the automatic gear selector, position display and handle all present very well.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Tried and tested combination of the Ford 2.0L Pinto engine coupled to the legendary Borg Warner automatic gearbox.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay on this car is very clean and we could see no sign of leaks or damage. Generally, the car looks like it has benefitted from very careful and conscientious ownership. The car is powered by Ford’s 1,993cc Crossflow engine which has a well-deserved reputation for reliability and longevity.

On cold start the car fired up willingly and quickly settled down to a steady idle. There were no warning lights illuminated and the emissions appeared consistent with a cold start with an automatic choke operating. Check out the “On the Road” video to see for yourself.

Suspension and Brakes

With discs up front and drums at the rear, the brakes seemed fully capable of stopping the car when needed. The suspension seemed firm and compliant with no untoward sounds or sign of excessive body roll.

The Drive

Like stepping back to the early 80’s this is a charming car to travel in. It’s remarkably smooth and comfortable while the velour seats make for a very comfortable travelling experience.

The car seemed to pull well, move positively through the automatic gear changes, and stopped effectively. Check out the "On the Road" video to share in our experience.

Electrics and Other

All switchgear, dials and gauges appear in good condition, entirely consistent with the general condition of the car. Richard assured us that, to the best of his knowledge, everything worked exactly as it should.

The interior is equipped with the original radio and an aftermarket cassette player. We were unable to test the audio equipment.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~3 year ownership, a car with an amazing interior, not many of these running on the roads today.

The last of a proud 20 year production run, the MK V brought the Cortina legend to a close. It’s ready to go, it’s in great condition, uncomplicated and the interior is amazing. The car has a Category C insurance marker 06.10.2012.

The car comes with many original MOT certificates and tax discs and is fitted with aftermarket, period, driving and fog lamps. It will be noted from the V5 that the car was salvaged at some point in the past.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle; there is a Category C insurance write-off marker on the car from October 2012.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
19.03.2021	MOT	77,343
17.03.2020	MOT	76,960
02.11.2018	MOT	75,850
02.11.2018	MOT	75,850
14.11.2013	MOT	75,838
28.09.2012	MOT	75,117
18.4.2011	MOT	73,946
12.04.2010	MOT	73,713
11.05.2009	MOT	73,510
30.04.2009	MOT	73,509
25.10.2007	MOT	72,507
17.11.2006	MOT	67,743
18.06.2002	MOT	61,774
06.07.2001	MOT	59,969
27.06.2000	MOT	57,785
02.06.1999	MOT	55,810
09.07.1998	MOT	54,154
12.07.1997	MOT	51,836
19.07.1996	MOT	50,285
29.07.1995	MOT	48,180
08.08.1994	MOT	45,618
05.08.1993	MOT	42,996
09.08.1992	MOT	40,419
29.07.1991	MOT	35,903
11.08.1990	MOT	32,930
09.08.1989	MOT	29,497
06.08.1987	MOT	19,563

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Key Details

ModelCortina GL
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date13.11.1981
CC1,993
Mileage~77,396
HistoryGood
ColourGold
Interior ColourBeige
Interior TrimCloth
Chassis #WFOFXXGBBFBK15323
Engine #BK15323
RestoredYes
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearCat C 06.10.2012
Former Keepers17
Tyre TreadGood
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~3 Years
Key FeatureCondition
Auction ID1215

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : SRichard Sale Date 30.03.2023

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

6 Comments

CORTINA69

1 year ago

Hi Richard, beautifull car, could you tell me if the shade difference is as bad as it looks in the pics or is that just the light making it look worse than it is

SRichard

Seller

CORTINA69

1 year ago

To me its in very good condition, the photos show shades that are not there.

leachy93

1 year ago

Also does it need tax or mot to drive it bk to north wales

leachy93

1 year ago

Hi Richard will it drive ok to north wales where I live and has the camb belt been changed thanx steve

1 year ago

Hi Richard
Is the underside clean? When was the cam belt last changed and would you consider taking a 1999 BMW 7 series in part ex.
Thank you
Chris

SRichard

Seller

1 year ago

The underside is very clean. In regards to the cam belt, its the only paperwork will do not have so can not give you this information. In regards to the BMW thank you but no thanks.

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Vehicle Location

Great Yarmouth

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