Ford Cortina MK2 (1966–1970)

De Ford Cortina Mk2 (1966-1970) It was the best-selling car in Great Britain with over one million units built, designed by Roy Haynes with a 6,4 cm wider body and new Crossflow engines. With variants ranging from the entry-level 1300 Deluxe to the luxury sports 1600E with walnut veneer and the 105 hp Lotus Cortina Mk2 in 4.032 units, the Mk2 substantially expanded the Cortina range while remaining true to its predecessor's formula.

Ford Cortina MK2

History and background

The second incarnation of the Cortina, designed by Roy Haynes, was launched on October 18, 1966, at the Earls Court Motor Show — four years after the original Cortina. Ford's stand at the event was a spectacle, featuring a double turntable showcasing a GT and Super surrounded by a fleet of other Cortinas.

The advertising slogan for the launch, “New Cortina is more Cortina”, perfectly summed up Ford’s approach. The Mk2 was slightly shorter overall length than its predecessor but wider, with a more spacious cabin and larger trunk. The use of curved side windows added an extra 2,5 inches of shoulder room — more comfort for passengers.

Ford introduced the second generation of the Cortina in 1966, and it shot to the top of the sales charts faster than anyone else. The Mk2 finally beat the Austin in the sales battle — a British rival that had been ahead for years. When the Crossflow engines were introduced in 1967, the Cortina was the best-selling car in Great Britain.

Interior of a 1968 Ford Cortina MK2

Design and interior

The Mk2 shared styling elements with the third-generation American Ford Falcon — Roy Haynes had looked to Ford's American design agency. The car was slightly shorter but wider than the Mk1, which resulted in a more spacious cabin and larger trunk.

Curved side windows — a technological innovation for the class — provided more shoulder room than the flat glass windows of the Mk1. For representatives, who formed the core of Cortina's buyer base, the larger boot was just as important as the extra comfort.

The 1600E was based on the 1600 GT mechanics but equipped with walnut veneer door trim and dashboard, extensive instrumentation, and luxury finish — a sporty-luxury combination that was completely new in this price segment in 1967.

Model variants

Cortina Standard / Deluxe (1966–1970) — entry-level models:

Introduced with the 1.298cc and 1.499cc engines from the Mk1. Available as a two- and four-door saloon. Column gear shift with a front bench seat as an option on the entry-level versions.

Cortina Super (1966–1970) — mid-range:

Better equipment, slightly higher specification. Available as a two- and four-door saloon and estate. The estate — launched in early 1967 — was the space leader in its class and could be delivered in GT specification on special order.

Cortina GT (1966–1970) — sporty model:

GT version with higher engine specification and extensive instrumentation. Initially 1.499cc, later 1.598cc Crossflow. Lowered suspension, sportier setup.

Cortina 1600E (1967–1970) — luxury-sport top model:

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1967. Based on the 1600 GT mechanics — 1.598cc Crossflow, 88 hp — but equipped with a walnut veneer dashboard and door trim, expanded instrumentation, Rostyle wheels, and lowered suspension. The most coveted Mk2 variant among collectors today.

Lotus Cortina Mk2 (1967–1970) — the race car for the road:

Unlike the Mk1 Lotus Cortina, which was built by Lotus itself, the Mk2 was developed in-house at Ford's Boreham competition division and built at Dagenham alongside the Mk2 GTs. 1.558cc twin-cam Lotus engine, 105 hp, now available as a four-door. Production number: 4.032 units.

In 1967 — barely a year after the launch of the Mk2 — the 1300 and 1500 engines were replaced by the now famous Crossflow engines in 1300 and 1600cc versions. Technically superior and more efficient than the preceding Kent engines.

Competitors

The Cortina Mk2 competed again in the British and European B/C segment. Direct competitors were:

• BMC Austin/Morris 1100 / 1300 (direct British competitor)
• Vauxhall Victor FC
• Hillman Hunter
• Triumph Toledo / 1300

Successor model

De Mk3 Cortina debuted in 1970 as the first Cortina developed on a shared pan-European platform with the Ford Taunus. The engine range was completely replaced — the defining addition was the single-overhead-cam 2,0-liter Pinto engine, which remained in production across Ford's European range for nearly three decades. A fundamental break with the Kent/Crossflow era.