'73 Ford Cortina MK3 3.0 GT

[goddard]

'73 Ford Cortina MK3 3.0 GT, as promised, pics of my newly aquired 3000gt (not the Basil Green version)
Wanted to actually grab a project to do myself... but, this is mostly all done. Pity that the previous owner BUTCHERED the very nice front door panels by cutting holes for speakers in them. The front seats were changed, it had the original bucket type seats... (drivers seat frame broke) at least the previous owner looked for something similar in look. The front seats are from a Mazda Capella I think?
I need to source some nice tail lights and front indicators to finish it off. As well as doing the black on the bonnet and side striping (obviously true to the original GT) I will be fitting a set of 15" Minilite wheels, but will obviously hang onto the original Rostyle wheels. I also have a period Momo (leather clad) steering wheel that I will fit (and will keep the original steering) The car is very solid, does not seem to have rust (looked at all the obvious places) Other than that, the motor, box, diff and prop all seems good and the car still drives and stops well.
It gets looks and draws lots of attention, every drive I take I always have to return "thumbs up" thrown my way, or say thanks when some comments "nice car"

[goddard]

Oh yes... I would love to get my hands on the original weather strips as well. So, anybody have tail lights? Front indicators? Weather strips? Get in touch pls.

[johan wepener]

Goddard

This is a very nice looking Cortina,congratulations !!

Maybe Leather Tec in Parow can be of assistance and reapair the front doors

after you have chopped off those speakers with an axe. Also consider to

remove those eye ball meters in the console--the interior will appear miles

better and original.

Watch out for ads in respect of lenses and the other stuff that you need,mostly

on Gumtree and Olx


Well done.


Johan

[IndianaJones]

Hi, thanks for sharing your ride with us, and especially photos of the data plate, there are very few genuine Mk3 GT models left to study. All seems in order, looks like it was produced in Oct 1973. I find it interesting, as I was wondering whether the vinyl top on these cars were referred to in the “Tutone” data plate coding, but it seems not to have been.

Mr Wepener, those 4 gauges on the centre console is factory correct and were one of the features of the GT model, it is not aftermarket fitment.

Attached are photos I took a few years ago, of a 2000GT’s interior.

Goddard I can assure you, I’m quite envious of your purchase.

If it was me, I’d try to find a second set of Rostyles and have them widened, but problem is, it very hard to find fat 13” tyres nowadays.

[goddard]

Hi, thanks for the comments... I was trying to decipher the tag, only thing I discovered was that the "M" on the engine means its 3l v6... other than that, nothing. As for the wheels, I did in actual fact want to get a 2nd set of Rostyles and have them widened, but have heard horror stories of cost and scarcity of wide 13" tyres... so junked that idea. I researched the mag rims, and the nicest (and most period look) I think is the minilites... I don't want to detract from the originality, I just want a more menacing (for lack of a better word) stance. See the pic I found on the net of a Cortina with the minilites.

[Shaunp]

Very nice.

[motor1]

Wow awesome vehicle. Brings back memories of my dad's XLe from back in the day.

[johan wepener]

Thanks Indi for the correct information regarding the eyeball meters. I did not remember it.

The Ford Cortina GT Big Six 3 litre was Road Tested by Car in September 1973. I

quote from Car's Test Highlights on page 26 :

Abudant power and performance

Exceptional silence and economy

High comfort ride and roadability

Verdict: Congratulations to Ford......


Tyre size is 185 X13


Please note that 185 X13 is still readily available on our market and not expensive.


Yes, those were the days. Unfortunately I could not afford a Cortina GT 3 litre

in 1973, not with my salary which was about R1,700.


Johan


PS Just for clarity--the mentioned figure I earned in 1973 was PER YEAR,

just to put it in perspective.

[Insomnia]

Try this guy for lenses.
.

[Scar]

Lovely car! I have fond memories of these Cortinas too.