1976 FORD CORTINA

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Sunday the 15th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Estimated price: GBP 12,000 - GBP 15,000.

The Crayford Cortina Mk3 conversion, officially marketed as the "Sunshine Conversion," was a unique drop-top adaptation of Ford’s “coke bottle” styled saloon. Unlike traditional full-convertibles, the 'Sunshine' was designed specifically to fix the structural integrity problems that plagued the previous generation

Only the centre section of the roof was removed leaving the B and C pillars, the side windows, and the roof gutters intact offering significantly better upper-body strength eliminating 'scuttle shake'

A full-length vinyl hood could be rolled all the way back down to the boot and tucked away under a tonneau cover

Sold exclusively through sole distributor Bristol Street Motors in Birmingham for any 2-door Mk3 Cortina, however the GT and GXL models featuring the distinctive four-headlight front grille and an American-influenced dashboard were the most popular

This, post-facelift 1976 2000 GT remains powered by Ford's SOHC 97bhp 1993cc Pinto engine fitted with an uprated Sierra Type 9 five speed gearbox and benefitting from power assisted steering professionally fitted by Easy Steer of Essex in December 2022

In 2014, a six year restoration was commenced which included a new vinyl soft-top, a full respray in Platinum Silver, refurbished Wolfrace alloys and retrimmed front and rear seats -Cortina GT ‘Tombstone’ in the front and the rear from the later Ford Puma.

Supplied with an impressive history folder as well as spares including the original steel wheels, steering wheel, original grill as well as the removed Mk3 headlights and indicators

The car has only covered 373 miles since the restoration and the original speedometer will be included

Although Crayford carried out over 400 'Sunshine Conversions', most went abroad and according to the Crayford Convertible Car Club less than 10 remain on the road in the UK