1964 FORD CORTINA MKI

The previous owner of this 1964 Ford Cortina MkI 1500 GT was Eric Jackson, ex-RAC British Rally champion in 1964 and BTRDA Gold Star Rally champion, who prepared it for road rallying. It also featured in his book, Petrol in My Blood. was registered in May 1964. As an historic vehicle, the Cortina is now MoT-exempt; its last expired in June 2022 after having been tested the previous year at 13,761 miles. Its current indicated mileage is 14,300. The car features a 1.5-litre engine with reworked valves and cam and a Burton cylinder head. The engine block houses Lotus steel rods, steel crankshaft and a Maniflow exhaust. Cooling is provided by a six-bladed fan supported by an electric fan. There's a single twin-choke Weber carburettor and K&N air filter with twin electric fuel pumps in the boot. 

The chassis has been strengthened and heavy duty engine mounts used, along with a sump guard. The transmission is based on a Ford 2000E close ratio gearbox with a limited slip differential and 4:1 rear axle. Disc brakes are installed at the front and enlarged rear rear brake drums at the rear. Brake and fuel lines are located within the car's body. The front suspension uses Leda struts with a stay bar and a Lotus anti-roll bar. Minilite wheels are fitted. 

The six-point roll cage protects Cobra seats with five-point Luke harnesses. The steering wheel is a Mountney unit with twin horns. External and internal emergency cut-off switches are provided as well as pull handles for the  plumbed-in fire extinguisher. Navigation equipment includes map-reading lights, plotting lights and Brantz trip-meter and rally clocks. The battery is mounted within the boot and and an alternator is fitted together high torque starter motor.  Twin Cibie Super Oscars allow greater night vision.

In recent years, the car has taken part in Historic Rally Car Register, Historic Endurance Rally Organisation and Classic Rally Association events. Nearly £30,000 was spent on bodywork in 2020, when the car was restored; there's a memory stick that includes 385 pictures of the rebuild. Paperwork includes the V5C, recent bills and a copy of Eric Jackson's Petrol in My Blood book. 

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