I often reminisce about old Fords, they really were a cool brand a few years back weren't they? Let me clarify that further by saying that I like the way current Ford cars are built, and I enjoy the way they drive but I only lust after older Fords, they seemed to carry a certain kudos and charm that isn't found in today’s models.
Perhaps it was simply down to the fact that there were fewer cars on the roads twenty or thirty years ago, but a Ford was always special to me. I liked the Consul, the Granada, the early Escorts, the Zephyr and of course the Cortina. (OK, I liked all of them!) You couldn't turn on the TV without seeing a Ford, walk down your street without seeing a chap lovingly washing one, or walk past any office or football club and not see a Granada Ghia parked in the directors space.
It's with that thought in mind that I present this weeks SOTW - as soon as I saw it I knew it would be gracing the pages of PH this morning. This particular car is a 1969 1600 Deluxe MkII. Launched in the great year of 1966, the MkII had a lot to live up to after the successful original Cortina and the boxier new version didn't disappoint with more interior space and comfort. Based on the same floorplan as the MkI, the MkII retained the Macpherson strut front suspension but with a wider track front and rear to improve handling, and disc brakes were now offered as standard.
The range consisted of Standard, Deluxe, Super and GT so this car is quite low in the range rankings. As production ceased in September 1970, this is quite a late car in the MkII scheme of things, too. Fitted with what we assume to be the original Kent cross-flow, we can't imagine that you will win any speed records, but when you look this good who cares?
Advert says: 1969 FORD MK2 CORTINA 1600 DELUXE, 40,000 MILES ..... GOOD CONDITION FOR YEAR £££`S SPENT ON CLUTCH AND HEAD RELUCTANT SALE ....TAX EXEMPT SHORT MOT BRAND NEW EXHAUST AND BRAKES GET YOURSELF A RARE 60`s CLASSIC.....L@@K £950 ovno
In a rare twist for SOTW I was torn between two cars, and while my old Ford loyalty is strong, my love of old Mercs equals it. So as an alternative SOTW, I offer you this slightly more modern 1994 W124 E320.
Fitted with the 24v 3.2 'six' this lovely blue saloon (named Beryl blue believe it or not) has air con, cruise, FSH and only three previous owners from new. The interior looks suspiciously like vinyl MB-Tex, and the seller doesn't mention the interior either, but as it would be rare to spec a 320 in anything less than leather let’s assume that it has hide for now. It even has some tax and test thrown in too. In my opinion this is the perfect E Class Benz.
Advert says: 1994 Mercedes Benz E320 4dr Auto. 87,000 miles, 4 Door Saloon, Petrol, Automatic, 8 Hole Alloys, AirCon, Cruise Control, Total History, Three Owners from New, Last Owner Since 2000, MOTd until May 2010, Road Fund Licence Expires Feb 2010, HPI Clear, Completely Outstanding Condition and Value £995
So this week SOTW offers something for everyone, old school cool or German power and waftiness, both for under £1000....why not buy them both?
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