Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire Viewing: Tues 14th October from 12pm Auction: Wed 15th October from 9am Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE 1971 Ford Cortina (Mk. III) 1600 L Offered directly from its one and only owner! Estimate £14, 000 - £16, 000 Registration No: HCH 115K Chassis No: BABFLY25937 MOT: Exempt Offered directly from the one and only owner! Unmolested and highly original example Always garaged throughout the vendor's ownership, and retired from main car service in the early 1980s Supplied with the original sale invoice and V5C showing zero former keepers Introduced in 1970, the Cortina Mk. III was a departure from its predecessors in many ways. It featured a modern, aerodynamic design with a distinctive coke-bottle shape, a departure from the boxier styling of the Mk. II. The Mk. III was longer, wider, and more spacious than its predecessors, offering increased interior room and comfort for passengers. One of the most significant advancements in the Mk. III Cortina was its suspension system. Ford replaced the Mk. II's cart-sprung rear axle with one located by trailing arms, improving ride quality, handling, and overall stability. This innovation set the Mk. III Cortina apart from its competitors and contributed to its reputation as a capable and enjoyable car to drive. Not many family cars can say they are still driving after 50 years and have never been restored, but this exemplary Cortina 1600 L is one of the few that can. It has had only one owner from new and, despite being in regular use until the early ’80s and covering several long-distance trips abroad, it evidently has not had a hard life. Originally sold through Ford main dealer T. C. Harrison Ltd. of Derby on 1st August, 1971, the price new was £839. 50 plus £209. 68 purchase tax. The Cortina has always been garaged and, after it fell out of regular use, the owner recognised that it was worthy of preservation and started using it for pleasure trips and classic car shows. It has faithfully completed a tour of Scotland plus many visits to France, and over time it has not so much aged as matured. It remains splendidly original and unmolested; the interior and paint are wonderfully preserved, with just a light patina as evidence of their originality. Even the T. C. Harrison sticker remains intact in the rear window. Offered with the V5C, original sales invoices and a spare fuel tank, this is a very special survivor which deserves to be cherished, and is sure to generate lots of attention wherever it is shown. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door. Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).