by Ford, with the Australian version receiving modifications and updates to suit local conditions and preferences.
1. Introduction: The Australian Ford Cortina was introduced in 1962 as a replacement for the Ford Consul. It was based on the British Ford Cortina Mk1 but featured modifications for the Australian market, including different engines, trim levels, and suspension tuning.
2. Generations: The Australian Ford Cortina went through several generations during its production run, each with its own unique characteristics and improvements:
- Mk1 (1962-1966): The Mk1 Cortina was initially available with a choice of 1.2L or 1.5L inline-four engines. It was offered in sedan and wagon body styles and quickly gained popularity for its affordability and practicality.
- Mk2 (1967-1970): The Mk2 Cortina received a facelift and updates to the interior and mechanical components. It continued to be offered with a range of inline-four engines, including the 1.3L and 1.5L units.
- Mk3 (1971-1976): The Mk3 Cortina was a significant redesign, featuring a more modern and aerodynamic body style. It was available with a wider range of engines, including the iconic “Pinto” inline-four engine and the “Crossflow” inline-six engine.
- Mk4 (1977-1980): The Mk4 Cortina received further updates to the exterior and interior styling, as well as improvements to safety and comfort features. It continued to be offered with a range of engine options, including the 2.0L “Pinto” inline-four and the 3.3L inline-six.
- Mk5 (1980-1982): The Mk5 Cortina was the final iteration of the Australian Ford Cortina. It featured further refinements to the styling and interior, as well as updates to the engine lineup, including the introduction of the 4.1L inline-six engine.
3. Specifications: The specifications of the Australian Ford Cortina varied depending on the model year and trim level, but here are some general specifications for the later models:
- Engine Options: The Mk4 and Mk5 Cortina were available with a range of engine options, including:
- 2.0L “Pinto” inline-four engine (petrol)
- 3.3L “Crossflow” inline-six engine (petrol)
- 4.1L “Crossflow” inline-six engine (petrol)
- Transmission: The Cortina was offered with both manual and automatic transmissions, typically with four-speed gearboxes.
- Suspension: The Cortina featured independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and coil springs, as well as a live rear axle with leaf springs.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of the Cortina varied depending on the body style and model year, but it typically had a length of around 4.3-4.5 meters, a width of around 1.6 meters, and a wheelbase of around 2.5 meters.
- Interior: The interior of the Cortina offered seating for up to five passengers, with cloth or vinyl upholstery depending on the trim level. It featured a simple dashboard layout with basic instrumentation and controls.
4. Legacy: The Australian Ford Cortina left a lasting legacy in the Australian automotive landscape, known for its reliability, affordability, and practicality. It was a popular choice among families and fleet buyers alike, with its versatile design and range of engine options catering to a wide range of needs and preferences. While production of the Cortina ceased in 1982, its influence can still be felt today, with many examples preserved by enthusiasts and collectors as cherished pieces of automotive history.