Basic information and history

1966 Ford Cortina GT represents the sportier interpretation of Ford’s light family saloon from the Mk1 era, a model that quickly gained traction among drivers who appreciated low weight, an alert chassis and the robust Kent engine. The GT version became a natural bridge between the standard cars and competition-focused variants, with clear ties to the period’s rallying and circuit racing.

This example is said to have been fully restored around twenty years ago and subsequently refurbished and updated on an ongoing basis. The seller states the car was sold new to Calix and that the car turns sixty this year. The odometer is stated at 28,048 km. The car is said to have been awarded first prize for Finest European Car at Edsvalla Motordagar. The documentation is described as complete, with extensive invoices and records accompanying the car.

Equipment and options

• Four Marchal auxiliary lights
• Reversing lamp
• Lotus front bumper
• Underbody painted white
• Sport seats
• Retractable seat belts
• Map reading lamp
• Halda Speedmeter (not connected)
• Superlite wheels
• Front Bilstein gas dampers
• Rear GAZ dampers
• All suspension bushes replaced
• Leaf springs from Burton
• Weber 40 DCOE carburettor
• Electronic ignition
• 2000E gearbox, rebuilt and synchronized
• Aluminium bellhousing
• Limited-slip differential, ratio 3.9:1

Modifications and upgrades The engine has been recently overhauled and is said to be built to Ford’s 1964 Group 2 guidelines, but with a camshaft chosen for road use. The seller notes a bore to 92.5 with Lotus pistons and 125E connecting rods, a Stage 3 head with steel valve seats, a balanced rotating assembly and a new clutch. The driveline comprises a close-ratio 2000E ’box, aluminium bellhousing and a limited-slip rear axle with 3.9:1 gearing. The chassis has been updated with new bushes, Bilsteins up front, GAZ at the rear and Burton leaf springs. Externally there is a Lotus front bumper, four Marchal auxiliary lamps and a white-painted underbody.

Condition

Body and exterior The paint was resprayed about twenty years ago and is said to be in perfectly decent condition. The underbody is painted white. Body modifications include the Lotus front bumper and auxiliary lights. Glass is said to be in OK condition. Chrome, trims, lamp lenses and badges are assessed as OK, noting the Lucas headlamps are somewhat dull.

Interior The interior is described as very good with red sport seats and red retractable belts. The headlining is OK. A new suede steering wheel is fitted and the switchgear is said to be in good order. A Halda Speedmeter is present but not connected.

Tyres and wheels Yokohama summer tyres in size 185/60-13 with approximately six millimetres of tread depth. Superlite wheels.

Mechanicals and operation The engine is said to be in very good order after a recent rebuild as above, with a Weber 40 DCOE and electronic ignition. Brakes are described as good. The gearbox is a rebuilt and synchronized 2000E, and the driveline includes a 3.9:1 limited-slip differential. Overall, the car is said to be mechanically well gone-through with updated suspension geometry and new bushes.

Service history

The most recent service is said to have been carried out in 2026. The seller states there is extensive documentation with invoices and records supporting restorations, updates and ongoing maintenance. A full restoration is said to have been completed around twenty years ago, followed by continuous improvements, including a recently rebuilt engine and a previously rebuilt 2000E gearbox.

Summary

A 1966 Ford Cortina GT that, according to the seller, has been fully restored, subsequently continuously updated and recently engine-rebuilt. Well-chosen technical specification with 2000E gearbox, 3.9 limited-slip rear axle, Weber 40 DCOE and an upgraded chassis with Bilstein/GAZ and new bushes. Equipped with sport seats, retractable belts, map lamp and auxiliary lights. Underbody painted white and the interior is described as very good. The car is said to have won an award at Edsvalla Motordagar and comes with rich documentation. An interesting choice for the enthusiast seeking a road-friendly Cortina GT with a clearly period-correct build and well-documented history.