The Mark 3 Cortina arrived in late 1970 (J registration in the UK).
It was a radical departure from the familiar 3 square box car of the Marks 1 and 2.
Some were put off by the up swept body design often referred to as “The Coke Bottle”, this shape was not entirely new to the British car buyer as Vauxhall’s Victor of 1968 featured very similar lines.
The car had a very American look and feel to it, which was slightly surprising as it was the first venture of the newly formed Ford European division, although the car was known as the “Taunus” in Europe………..unusual when you consider the roots of the name “Cortina”.
As with previous Cortinas, the MK3 came in many versions, engine size ranged from a slightly weazy 1300 cc, the most popular 1600 cc, these 2 engines being lifted from the Mk2, and a new 2000 cc overhead cam engine.
The suspension was new though, the familiar McPherson struts at the front being dropped for a double wishbone arrangement and coil springs at the rear instead of leaf (or cart type) rear springs.
The top of the range models were a GT and GXL Models, available with either 1600 cc or 2000 cc overhead cam engines, these models stood apart from lesser models by way of their 4 quartz halogen headlights, 7 clock dash and “Sports” wheels.
Early Cortinas (and Capris) fitted with the overhead cam engine soon suffered from early cam shaft failure, announced by a healthy clatter from under the bonnet, this failure was due mainly to poor lubrication of the camshaft. An improved oil spray bar improved matters considerably.
A replacement for the much missed MK2 1600E did not arrive until late 1973 with the launch of the Mark 3 2000E, this coincided with a general update of the range with over 100 subtle improvements including ventilation, suspension and lighting.
All models except the 1300 cc version now featured the overhead cam engine.
My own 1300 model always seemed quick though, after owning the car for around a year, I found out why…the last owner had dropped in a 1600 cc engine!