As with previous Cortinas, a new model was launched after around 6 years of production of the highly successful MK3.
Purists were pleased to see a return to the familiar 3 x Square box arrangement that pleased so many on the Marks 1 and 2.
Gone was the “coke bottle” styling that gave the Mark 3 its American look and feel, and a style not to dissimilar to the much loved Mark 2, was re-born; However the mechanical section remained as per the Mark 3. My own personal experiences with swapping major parts, I.E. Engines, gearboxes and various suspension parts confirm that the Mark 4 was a Mark 3 with new clothes !!
My Mum and Dad “loved” their own repair yard right in their own garden !
After a short time, a new engine was added to the range, this was a V6, 2300 cc unit known as the Cologne unit, due mainly to it’s German roots.
There was no “E” version on the Mark 4, the flag ship models were known is “Ghia”.
Ghia was and is an Italian styling house who had carried out a lot of design work for prominent Italian manufactures such as Lancia, Fiat and Alfa Romeo. Ghia were commissioned to design the trim to give the cars a luxury feel, Ghia also designed trim for other Ford cars of the era including the Ford Granada and the Mark 2 and 3 Ford Escort.
After 4 years, Ford gave the Cortina face lift, un-officially known as the “Mark 5”, Ford called it “The Cortina ’80”, they increased the amount of glass to give the interior a lighter feel, there were also changes to the dash, lights and as before a bewildering number of trim and engine combinations were available.
By 1982, the writing was on the wall for the end of the Cortina, Ford were busy working on a concept car, known at the time as the Probe, this was to become the Ford Sierra.
Mark 4 ’80’ (Mark 5) Gallery
Ethan’s stunning Cortina after its second restoration. Ethan explained that many panels have been replaced along with some ‘bodgery’ removed, luckily his Dad had a spare front valence in his loft…like you do !
Front view, looks very good eh ? You can read about the restoration in “Retro Ford” August 2024 edition.
More information
The MK4 Cortina was often seen on television, Van Der Valk drove a 2 door 1600L in the TV series “Van Der Valk”, as this was show was set in The Netherlands, it was a left hand drive model so technically it was a “Taunus” but I am sure you will understand; The Sweeney often drove a 2.0S model when their Consul GT (Not a Granada as you would think) was elsewhere.
The last Cortina, a Silver Crusader (I am the proud owner of the Corgi model) rolled off the production line in 1982, this last car is still in existence.
Ford still own the rights to the name Cortina, it was rumored that the Mondeo would be named Cortina, but as we all know, this was not the case…………………………..