Cortina Mk 2 History

The Mk II Cortina was introduced in September 1966 to replace the already successful Mk 1. As with the Mk 1 it was available in either two or four door form, and was offered with either column or floor change manual transmission, or automatic (the column change cars came with a bench front seat). All models were available with either 1300 or 1500 engines - the 1500 engine was straight out of the Mk 1 and the 1300 was a stroked version of the Mk 1 1198cc unit. A GT version of the saloon was also offered which benefitted from more power and comprehensive instrumentation. An estate joined the range in early 1967 and this could actually be purchased in GT specification to special order. In 1967, just under a year of the Mk II being launched, both the 1300 & 1500 engines were replaced by the now famous crossflow engines in 1300 & 1600 form.

Specifications (saloons)
Model	Cortina 1300 (crossflow)	Cortina 1600	Cortina 1600 E / GT
Years Produced	1966 -1970
Body Type	2 or 4 door saloon, or 4 door estate (not E), all steel unitary construction
Length	14ft	14ft	14ft
Width	5ft 4in	5ft 4in	5ft 4in
Engine	4 cyl inline 1298cc	4cyl inline1599cc	4 cyl inline 1599cc
Power	63 bhp @ 5300 rpm	71 bhp @ 5000 rpm	88 bhp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	72lb ft @ 2500 rpm	91.5lb ft @ 2300 rpm	?lb ft@ ? rpm
Gearbox (all)	4 speed manual - optional automatic
Driven Wheels	Rear	Rear	Rear
Brakes (all)	Front disc rear drum
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring, live axle	Leaf Spring, live axle	Leaf Spring, live axle

The Cortina was now the best selling car in Britain. In September 1967 the highly desirable 1600 E (Executive) arrived - a sporting model with a high degree of luxury. It was based on 1600 GT running gear and was fitted with many luxury extras including walnut veneer door cappings & dashboard and the comprehensive instrumentation of the GT. Minor changes were made throughout the life of the Mk II which finally ended its production in 1970 after more than one million cars were sold. As with the Mk 1 Cortina a Lotus version was made.

Performance (approx)
Model	Cortina 1300	Cortina 1600	Cortina 1600 E & GT
Top Speed	82mph	88 mph	98 mph
0 - 60 mph	18 seconds	15 seconds	12.5 seconds
Fuel Consumption	33 mpg	30 mpg	27 mpg