All Original 1963 Ford Cortina GT in Historics 20th August Auction

This completely original 19,244 mile A reg Cortina GT in Goodwood Green features in Historics 20th August Brooklands auction.

1963 was the first year of the Cortinat GT and the Lotus Cortina that derived from it. A conventional tin box with McPherson struts at the front and leaf springs backed up by a pair of control arms at the rear and powered by Ford's new 1,498cc 5-bearing engine with twin-choke Weber carb and tubular exhaust manifold, it immediately set the motorsport scene alight. 

Everything else, from Sunbeam Rapiers to MGBs was slower. A few simple mods gave the Cortina GT a 0-60 of 11 seconds and a top speed of over 100mph, though they couldn't overcome the bugbear of a ridiculously low 2nd gear and a huge gap to 3rd.

The value of this car: ARE 163A is in its originality. Unmodified standard GT interior with the rev counter on the column (the original two spoke steering wheel comes with the car). It's even on standard bias ply tyres. First registered on 4th July 1963 it has undergone fastidious care and obsessive attention to detail by its two owners in 53 years.

Though, sadly, destined to live out the rest of its life as a trailer queen, concours winner and museum piece, it represents an investment as possibly the one and only original 1963 Cortina GT in the World in this condition.

It's expected to fetch £24,000 to £28,000. Rather more than its original £748 showroom price.

More, and full online catalogue continually being updated at Historics.