1981 MkV 1.3 Base

[Mike Craig 6]

As someone in their mid 40's, Cortina's were part of growing up friends and family owning god knows how many between them plus 3 previous MkV's myself. As a DIY restorer who's spent countless years under various Jaguars, the hankering for a Cortina has grown over the past 12 months into an itch that needed serious scratching. I'd been on the lookout on Ebay and had gone after a scruffy looking MkIV that hadn't turned a wheel in 20+ years only for the vendor to start playing around with the price - at which point a fixed price ad for a 1.3 Mk5 caught my eye and after further investigation it was also advertised on here with Tony (TIB3300) - couple of calls / text messages later, price agreed and delivery sorted. 

 

From a quick assessment, this is a total poverty spec 1.3 base model where the luxuries include a clock and....... er no, that's it. Not even an L badge - couldn't be happier! 

 

It's now safely tucked up in my unit with a couple of Jags for company. The car is entirely as Tony's description which couldn't have been more honest and accurate. Lots of welding to be done, non-existant brakes, crazy idle speed and a list which I'm sure will grow and grow. Who cares - it's great to have Cortina back in the fold after many years. 

 

Will update as and when things progress but big thanks to Tony - real pleasure to deal with from start to finish. 

[Steve Walton 129]

Welcome to a future of Tin Bashing, MG Welding and spending more than you ever anticipated.

Good luck with the Resto.

 

Cheers

Steve

[TIB3300 442]

Hello Mike

your welcome , looking farward to seeing the progress

 

Lots of help and info on here

[John Mack 310]

You sound like a happy man Mike !!    Good luck with the mk5 and don't be shy with letting us know of it's progress.

 

[GhiaMk4/5 207]

Welcome, can't beat a MkV,  good luck with the restoration.

[Beowulf 87]

Look forward to the progress. For a Yorkshireman Tibbsy is ok 😂😂😂😂

[nmonkey220 23]

10 hours ago, Beowulf said:

Look forward to the progress. For a Yorkshireman Tibbsy is ok 😂😂😂😂

 

Is Tibbsy a Yorkshireman though i'd say more Derbyshire

[sheffieldcortinacentre 658]

Yep says Derbyshire on way into his place.

[TIB3300 442]

On 10/14/2019 at 8:31 PM, Beowulf said:

Look forward to the progress. For a Yorkshireman Tibbsy is ok 😂😂😂😂

[TIB3300 442]

On 10/15/2019 at 7:23 AM, nmonkey220 said:

 

Is Tibbsy a Yorkshireman though i'd say more Derbyshire

 

11 hours ago, sheffieldcortinacentre said:

Yep says Derbyshire on way into his place.

 

 

If I moved to scots land, I would still be a Yorkshire-man

Edited October 16, 2019 by TIB3300

[Russell Macfarlane 3]

Fantastic!!! Saw this one when it was advertised, really glad its been saved into an enthusiasts care. I have a 1981 1300 Base MK5 Two Door, the 1300 Base's are exceptionally rare now. All the very best with it. 

 

Kind Regards

 

Russell. 

[Mike Craig 6]

7 hours ago, Russell Macfarlane said:

Fantastic!!! Saw this one when it was advertised, really glad its been saved into an enthusiasts care. I have a 1981 1300 Base MK5 Two Door, the 1300 Base's are exceptionally rare now. All the very best with it. 

 

Kind Regards

 

Russell. 

 

Thanks - for the moment, it's in a queue behind an XJ8 I've been working on for much of this year (if you think Cortina's rot, take a look underneath most Jaguars!). 

 

All being well I'll be making a start early next year - there's more than a fair bit of welding needed so I'll be posting updates as and when i can. 

[Mike Craig 6]

Christ alive - I didn't realise that it's been 8 months since this arrived here. 

 

I've got to upload some pics but the only progress so far has been removing the bonnet, stripping out the interior and then deciding to have a sit down and wonder where to start. Rust so far:

 

Wing tops both sides are gone - wings not removed but suspect inners are next to non-existent. 

Front floors - big holes (as in put your hand through and have a good wave)

Outer sills - look to have been replaced at some time but frilly at the ends. 

Inner sills - Oh joy - gone front to back on both sides where they meet the floor pan. 

Boot floor / Rear valance - big holes all round. 

 

Good job I can weld innit? To be honest, finishing my Jag has taken priority and a classic mini which has become my daily driver has taken up most of my spare time. Will upload pics once I've worked out how to resize.  

 

I've decided to move on my 2 XJ6's as I'm never going to get round to those and as I've had both as daily drivers previously, I'm relaxed enough to sell them. However I do want to get stuck into this Cortina soon as it's been nearly 30 years since I last owned one and as it's a 1.3 poverty spec, it appeals to my sense of loving the mundane versions. 

Edited June 15, 2020 by Mike Craig

[GhiaMk4/5 207]

Many moons ago my BIL had an XJ6, the rear subframe was held on with fresh air, don't think anything has changed in 40 years, rust has always been an issue, strangely though, l do like Jags, as you must to. 

The scariest car l have ever been in was a XJ12 5.3 at about 140mph, it didn't feel like it was connected to the road!

At least the rot in a Cortina is less complicated to do than a Jag as I had to repair my BIL, that took some hours and it was the days before I had a MIG welder, so it was gas welded!!

[Mike Craig 6]

I had a V12 5.3 coupe 15 years ago when they were worth next to sod all. Loved it but 10mpg around town was a killer. Sold it for £2k and have regretted it ever since. I’ve had over 20 Jags including countless xj6’s, xjs and xk8’s. 

 

Agree in the rust though - I was handed my father in laws 2001 xj8 a few months ago. What started out as a bit of patching on the passenger floor has turned into a major weldathon. Jags are beautiful but bodywork can be incredibly complex to repair. I’ve got 4 here now and will happily move 3 on in the next few months as I don’t have the time to deal with them all.

 

Thats before I even mention the absolutely mint Granada Scorpio tucked away. Worth absolutely bugger all but one beautiful example.