This Mk2 Ford Cortina 1600 GT Would Be An Epic Track Day Car

Please pardon my fanboyish excitement over this week’s classified find. I know, it’s just a Ford Cortina - except it’s not just a Ford Cortina. It’s a 1967 1600 GT full-on race car that’s up for auction on eBay near Chicago, selling for a buy-it-now price of $25,000 with a reserve-met bid of $18,000 as I type this article. I have no idea if that’s a good price or not, but given the rarity of these cars in the States combined with because race car, all bets are off as to just how much it will ultimately bring.

CTzens throughout Europe know all about the Cortina - it was the best-selling car in Britain from 1972-1981 after all - but many people don’t realise the first two Cortina generations were sold in the States as compact cars through 1970, when it was replaced by the far superior Ford Pinto. Just to be clear, that was sarcasm. I’ll happily yield to UK superiority on this one.

The Cortina also has a bit of performance cred, having ties to Lotus for mechanical bits as well as some racing success in the late 1960s U.S.-based Trans Am Series. Whether or not this particular Cortina is an original Trans-Am survivor is unclear; there’s no mention of such racing history in the eBay auction, but given the relative anonymity of these cars here in the States I can easily see such history getting lost in time. It’s also listed with no title, just a bill-of-sale so that’s another clue suggesting this little ride might be true vintage racer.

Regardless, I don’t see that being a big factor in this car’s value. What I see is an exquisite, left-hand drive Cortina with all kinds of recent work, a brilliant red paint job, a proper racing stance and blazing Union Flags on the quarter panels. The ad lists a “professionally built” Ford Kent 1.6-litre four-cylinder making 142lb ft of torque at 5500rpm, and 166bhp at a delightful 6900rpm. It’s got twin Weber carbs, straight-cut gears and side exhaust, and I bet it sounds like pure motoring bliss inside the cockpit with the taps opened.

The seller also mentions suspension work, a fuel cell, fat tyres on properly tiny 13-inch wheels, Lexan windows and of course a full roll cage. It weighs 816kg and it’s listed as being race-ready; I’d love to toss this car around Laguna Seca.

It makes this self-proclaimed American muscle car fan want to turn lap after glorious lap with the engine on boil the whole time, then stop for a spot of tea and wax poetic about holidays in Lancashire. I’m probably going to make some enemies right now, but if this car was parked next to a race-prepped BMW 2002 and I could drive either, I’d jump in the Cortina.

Heck, I’d jump in the Cortina over many modern day cars devoted to making the most of track day events. Considering the work done to this car you know it would be a blast to drive, plus you get the whole vintage racing vibe that makes the experience even better. If I had $25,000 to spend on something dedicated to having fun on a track, this rare gem would definitely be on my list.