Lot details
Registration No: ELL742C
Chassis No: BB16EPO1187
Mot Expiry: May 2007

Stung by the lukewarm reaction to its all new Classic model, but then buoyed by the immediate success of its Cortina smaller brother, Ford quickly developed a Classic replacement using an enlarged Cortina base. Launched in October 1963 (and therefore meaning that at just 2 ½ years the Classic had the shortest production run of any UK Ford to date) the Corsair showed just how much Ford had listened to its critics. Many customers had been put off by the Classic’s rather contrived US influenced styling, so for the Corsair Ford produced a simple yet very elegant three box bodystyle with wedge-shaped nose a la Ford Thunderbird. Underneath, the recently introduced 1498cc engine from the Classic and Cortina was carried over unchanged together with front disc brakes. Available as a 2 or 4-door saloon (although very few of the former were sold) in Standard or De-Luxe trim or as a GT with dual-choke Weber carburettor and more luxurious interior, one unusual feature of the Corsair was its oblong shaped horn ring which, when the steering wheel was in the straight ahead position, managed to completely obscure the strip speedometer! Strong established market rivals such as the Vauxhall Victor FB, Austin A60 series and Hillman Super Minx meant sales were steady rather than spectacular, but far in excess of those achieved by the Classic. In 1965 Ford installed the more powerful V4 engine also used in the then new Transit, but being somewhat rougher than the earlier in-line 4, many preferred the smoother original engine.
Surviving in-line Corsairs are very rare which makes the 1965 4-door 72,000 mile example offered for sale here today particularly interesting. Having had only 3 owners from new and used as a ‘daily driver’ the vendor describes this car as ‘rough & ready’ with a ‘first class’ engine, ‘excellent’ transmission, ‘great’ bodywork, ‘scabby’ paintwork, ‘tired’ interior, ‘original’ chassis and ‘period’ wheels/tyres. It does however come with an MOT until May 2007 and tax until September 2007. The vendor points out that this could make a good basis for a period rally car as having been rallied by Ford in period FIA papers would be easy to obtain, and with NO RESERVE the car will be sold today to the highest bidder.