At Unit 11, we’re fortunate to work on some truly special vehicles – but every now and then, one arrives with a story that sets it apart. This 1970 Mk2 Ford Cortina 1600E was a one-owner-from-new car, used as a cherished family vehicle for decades. With over 100,000 miles covered across the UK and Europe, it had seen plenty of road time but had been lovingly preserved throughout its life.
Surprisingly Original
From the moment it rolled into the workshop, we knew we were dealing with something rare. Despite its age, the car had never been welded and had only ever received one respray. The sills and underside were coated in thick underseal – often a warning sign on classic cars – but to our surprise, this underseal was protecting original, untouched paintwork.
Preserved by Passion
Further inspection revealed waxoyl in every cavity, from the doors to the inner body panels – a sign of genuine care. As we later discovered, the owner had spent countless evenings in his cold garage applying both waxoyl and underseal by hand. It was this early dedication that had prevented the typical rust and corrosion you’d expect from a car of this age.
Time Had Taken Its Toll
Although structurally sound, the Cortina was starting to show signs of its 54 years. The paintwork had faded and become patchy, the iconic white pinstripe was damaged, and the boot lid was badly out of alignment. The underseal was also beginning to look messy. It was clear that this classic needed more than a touch-up – it was time for a full restoration.
Stripped Back and Built Right
We began with a full strip-down, removing every component including the Webasto roof. Several layers of old paint were taken back to bare metal where required. The boot lid was realigned, dents and imperfections were repaired, and the aged underseal was carefully removed from the sills before the body was fully sealed and primed.
Back to Factory Fresh
The car was then resprayed in its original Aubergine finish – a deep, elegant colour that really sets the 1600E apart. The finishing touch was the hand-painted white pinstripe, carefully recreated to match the factory original. Once reassembled, we fitted a freshly made headlining to complement the immaculate original interior.
Preserving the Cortina Legacy
This 1600E is more than just a car – it’s a time capsule, a piece of British motoring history that’s been lovingly cared for and now fully restored. With flawless paintwork and a sympathetic approach to its originality, this classic Cortina is once again ready to be admired for years to come.
