1974 Ford Cortina Mk3 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Powerful, but that isn't everything!

Faults:

Oil leaks!!!

General Comments:

This Ford that I "inherited" off my Dad needed work; there were problems with a minor dashboard fire! And the clutch. All were fixed.

This was a limited edition, 2 litre Brabham(?) Cortina with a two-tone (brown and white) duco, and a powerful engine. I remember sitting effortlessly on 140kph on the road between Warrnambool and Geelong late at night, or maybe it was my imagination?

It wasn't a nice car to drive; sitting on the front bench I felt miles away from the deep set instrumentation; everything felt a bit loose. To be fair, I had no mechanical issues in my time of ownership. But oil leaks! From the rocker cover at first, but once that was fixed… I was putting in up to a litre a week.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th December, 2015

1974 Ford Cortina X.L 351 V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

V8 Cortina, that's what I'm talking about, say no more

Faults:

Since fitting the V8 I am constantly finding myself replacing diffs after party's.

For some reason rear tires require replacement more often than front.

I had slight over heating problems to begin with, problem solved with a Chev Camaro radiator and after market oil cooler.

The car had major rust issue when I got it, since its been patched and repainted.

The door handles are consistently breaking.

General Comments:

This car is total madness. The 351 is a big step up from the 250 automatic.

Handling leaves a lot to be desired.

The transformation from the 6 pack to V8 is well worth the money and time, I recommend it to anyone with a old Cortina.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2004

22nd Jun 2004, 22:16

Hi. I have a 1975 Cortina, and I was wondering what modification's I could do to it to pick up some chicks. Plaese reply with options to mhoskins@sts.tas.edu.au

Thanks heaps.

23rd Aug 2004, 07:36

Hi, I am in the process of debate. I owned a 2V 250 TC Cortina, and loved it.

I now have another TC Cortina, which I would really like install a Boss 302 in. My problem is the law. I am in Perth, have you had any trouble with this? As far as I am concerned, the Cortina should have come with a V8 as standard, but the law is the law. Are you able to shed any light on the subject?

I really don't want to get rid of the TC, but I feel I may have no option. If this is the case, you will be seeing a very silly XT Ute on W.A. roads very shortly.

5th Aug 2007, 07:56

In regards to registration on your TC after a V8 transplant.

I live in SA, and you can just about register an old boot with a jet engine in it here, as long as there is 10% tread left on it.

The art of getting the transplant through registration is to go into consultation with your local department, and advise them of what you intend to do; ask them for advice, and if they can forward you any or all information that will be required.

If your modifications fall within the guide lines they have given you, then they can't knock you back.

Make sure that you keep the info, and present it at the time of inspection.

I have a friend that is running a worked 351 in a Datsun Sunny ute that is street legal. (WOW what a ride)

A Cortina is a lot easier. Be it a 4 or a 6 to start with, there is very little structural work "If any" to be done, so I say give it a go. Just remember to keep it all looking clean and tidy. That part is a must.

Bob.

1974 Ford Cortina 250 X-flow from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A petrol drinker, but worth it for the power, a beautiful drive

Faults:

The radiator leaks a little.

The seats were never that comfortable, but not that bad where you can't stand them.

The starter motor busted.

Some wires were fried trying to put a new tape deck in.

General Comments:

With the new motor, nothing can touch me.

I put Escort mags on her, so the car is lower to the ground, so it sticks to the road like there is no tomorrow.

It smashes my mates worked Torana.

She has a twin throat carby. Twin Webbers. They make her howl.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2003

1974 Ford Cortina XLE 3.0 essex V6 from South Africa

Summary:

The best Ford ever build in South Africa

Faults:

The front suspension rubbers collapsed at about 165,000 Kilometres. The car's ignition was worn out badly the last year, and I replaced it with a secondhand unit from a Mk V Cortina.

The gearbox also does not stay in second gear of you decellerate (but that is after more than 280,000 Km).

I replaced the rings, oil pump, bearings and water pump at 300,000 Km.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable and very quick if one takes the model and the kilometres it has done. I can take on the latest 325 BMW and cars in that class without being ashamed. I recently experimented with a camshaft replacement (very mild cam 2000 to 6200 road) and I can tell you it worked very well. I can get a speed of +- 210 km/h at about 5700 RPM. This thing goes!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2002

1974 Ford Cortina XL 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Get one while you still can! Tough-as-old-boots classic

Faults:

It caught fire - twice! Neither time was the cars' fault - the previous owner had botched some wiring in it badly.

The automatic transmission started to slip a bit towards the end, which is why I sold it.

General Comments:

Rode really nice, drove very well. Very comfy, very reliable. Parts are just SO cheap!

Power steering would have been good as it can be a little heavy at parking speeds.

Acceleration was not great, but top end cruising was quiet and relaxed. A manual box would be better for acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2001