The Ford Motor Company launched the Ford Cortina in England in September 1962. The 50th anniversary of the launch will be celebrated in Stratford-on-Avon, where a special two door Ford Cortina Mark 1 will be present.

Car enthusiast Brian Ackland from Plymouth has recreated a legend by spending four years building a functional two door Ford Cortina, probably the only one in existence.

Brian Ackland in his restored Cortina Mark 1

Until the Ford Sierra was launched in 1982, almost 2.6 million of Cortinas were sold in the UK. It was the highest selling car each year from 1972 to 1981. The Ford Cortina Mark I was available with a 1.2 litre or 1.5 litre four cylinder engine and a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission. Ford intended the Cortina to be a car for the masses and they were right. The price of the Ford Cortina then was £625.00, and it ensured success over many years. For many people taking part in the 50 year celebrations memories will come alive when they see Brian Ackland’s working Cortina.

In Motorsport the Cortina was unbeatable. It was ahead of others often displaying excellent performance and continued to reign for many years.