Image courtesy of Calreyn88, Wikimedia Commons
Ford Cortina MkI (1962–1966) Price Guide
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typical price 7 October, 2026
Ford Cortina MkI (1962–1966) Statistics
Colour Spread
Based on yourbestprice data on 3 October 2026
Listings by Year of Registration
Based on yourbestprice data on 3 October 2026
Engine Capacity
Based on yourbestprice data on 3 October 2026
Mileage Range
Based on yourbestprice data on 3 October 2026
The data above is based on information retrieved from actual, real-world Ford Cortina sales listings. Our AI agents try to correct obvious mistakes sellers make, such as incorrect engine capacities, but some may still fall through.
The Ford Cortina Mk I of 1962 to 1966 arrived as the car that democratised motorsport for Ford. It started as a conventional 1,198cc saloon that Colin Chapman transformed into the Lotus Cortina, winning the 1964 British Saloon Car Championship with Jim Clark. The standard Cortina was a simple, lightweight rear-wheel-drive saloon that undercut the BMC 1100 and Vauxhall Victor on price while offering more driver involvement than either.
The Car
The Cortina Mk I used Kent crossflow engines from 1,198cc to 1,498cc in saloon and estate bodies. The GT specification used twin-choke Weber carburettors for 83bhp. The Lotus Cortina used the 1,558cc Lotus twin-cam producing 105bhp with an aluminium differential housing and coil-spring rear suspension replacing the leaf springs. Approximately 1.01 million Mk Is were produced. The Lotus Cortina Mk I is one of the most significant homologation saloons ever built.
Buying
The Lotus Cortina is the serious collector’s Mk I with values reflect its racing pedigree and rarity. The GT is the accessible performance choice. Standard two-door cars are the hot rod builder’s favourite. Structural condition determines value across all specifications.
