Ford Cortina Mark V (Mk5)

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On August 24, 1979, Ford Cortina Mark 5 was announced. Actually, its official name was “Cortina 80”, but the press alone with the public gave it the Mark V tag.

It was a large update of the Mark IV model, though it is hard to say that it was a complete redody or facelift. Actually, it was a step made between these two. Among the main differences between these two cars was revised headlights, a wider slatted grille, and, of course, a flattened roof with a huge glass area, slimmer C-pillars with revised vent covers, larger, slatted taillights, and upgraded trim. Improvements were made to engine range, with a slight touch to fuel economy and power output.

There were four variants of Ford Cortina Mk5 body available in both saloon and estate forms: the Base, L, GL, and Ghia. The base and L included special 2-door sedan versions, available in other countries up to Ghia V6 level.

The Cortina was the British auto market best-seller up to 1981 and including it. Though it was the second best-selling car and the most popular large family car in Britain, 1982 has become its final production year. While its twin, Taunus version, has a competition with new Volkswagen Passat and Opel Ascona modern designs, the Cortina with its brand image of Ford’s blue oval was guaranteed much success overseas.

The very last Cortina was produced on 22 July 1982. It was a silver Crusader that you can see even today visiting the Ford Heritage Centre in Dagenham, Essex, situated nearby the factory the car was assembled.

Still, the last Cortinas in the world were produced in New Zeland where they were top selling cars for years.

It was 1982 when the Cortina lost her Britain’s best-selling car title that was given to her annually since 1972. Frankly speaking, it was selling pretty good after 1892 as well. The only difference was that another Ford’s product, the Ford Escort, took the first place as the best-selling model.

 

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30 Comments

  1. Robbie Dickson
    September 21, 2017 at 10:37

    Hi Anne.

    I am wondering if you can help me find a 1980 or 1981 2-door cortina 1.3L car ideally in good running shape and even better if it is in Beige. I am prepared to offer 1000 pound finders fee and thought this was a good place to start reply to RobbieLeeCanada@gmail.com

  2. oprolevorter
    June 24, 2019 at 05:25

    I was just looking for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.

  3. Dave
    August 18, 2019 at 17:26

    Hi I’ve a MKV Cortina Crusader, am looking to join a Cortina club, could you help me please

  4. Dean
    November 14, 2019 at 00:25

    Hi I’ve got a mk5 cortina that for unforeseen reasons I can’t finish it’s 80% done would you know anyone that would be interested in purchasing. Really clean motor rate vinyl top red interior Rs wheels 80k on speedo 1.6 please contact me if you can be off any use dveevers@hotmail.co.uk
    07871079239 dean

  5. Shaun Yannetta
    January 13, 2020 at 23:39

    Got mek5 for sale mint condition phone number 07871698175

  6. Shaun Yannetta
    January 13, 2020 at 23:40

    Got mrk 5 for sale mint condition phone number 07871698175

    • T. Robson
      August 21, 2023 at 23:32

      Hi ! I have a 1979 1.3 Ford Cortina Taunis . 2 dr mk5 saloon in need of renovation! No engine or gearbox but everything else ! V reg.
      Photographs available on request !
      Car needs tlc desperately !
      Car stripped to shell, I have most parts and a new full body kit for it !
      Offers !

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    February 15, 2020 at 08:37

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  8. Robert Depietro
    May 18, 2020 at 08:01

    I think that what youposted made abunch of sense.

  9. Jacques Kleinhans
    November 7, 2020 at 14:11

    This is a really well written – albeit short – article on the much-loved Mk5 Cortina. In South Africa we also have quite high regard for the Mk5 Cortina. A head-turner of note and widely used in pop culture.

    It’s been my dream car since I was 5. This year I thought to myself I’m not going to wait until I’m 40 or 50 before I buy one. With CV19 and the uncertainty of the world we live in, I decided to go ahead. I now own a 1981 Cortina Mk5 2.0GL Auto. A few small issues here and there – front brakes needs to be replaced and timing is a bit out but other than that, it’s solid and I’m a happy man.

    Keep up the good work. I’m definitely going to venture through the rest of your site and look forward to future articles and stories.

    • Kevin
      September 6, 2023 at 19:20

      Hi Jacques, well I am 52 and just bought my first Mk5 Ford Cortina Ghia 1.6L (1980) the nostalgia is incredible. It was my favourite car growing up as my dad owned the same model. Early days but searching the Internet for parts and forums – there seems to be sooooo many clubs I can’t find an ‘official’ one. Will keep an eye on here as it seems the most relevant. However would be good to know where local meets, shows etc are

  10. MatthewRab
    September 14, 2021 at 05:07

    Excellent and high-quality absolutely free and easy to watch on any device, just

  11. Sue Bounds
    October 5, 2021 at 22:58

    Hi
    I am trying to find out what fuel I can put into my mark 5
    She is 1980 , 2.0 GL
    I am getting nowhere with trying to get information

    • Barry
      June 27, 2022 at 16:50

      you need to use regular unleaded, with a ‘lead replacement addative’ (get it from halfords or any motor-factors). If you’re planning on keeping it for a few years and the engine is in good condition, I’d recomend getting the head converted to run on unleaded, (costs a few hundred quid but worth it, in the long run).

  12. Ian Thurley
    October 6, 2021 at 17:00

    Sue,
    It will need to be run on super unleaded (E5, 97+ Octane) – I get mine from a local BP station.

  13. Michael lakes
    November 12, 2021 at 01:11

    I am the proud owner of a mk 5 cortina and I am wondering where I can get parts for same the lock on the drivers door needs some parts at present can you advise my email is littlecrowlakes@gmail.com

  14. Stephen Tibbett
    December 16, 2021 at 19:49

    Hi, I’m looking for a 1980-82 MK5 Ford Cortina 2.0GL or Ghia Saloon.
    Colour or condition not important, running with MOT ideally.
    Are there any out there for sale?

  15. Phil
    June 27, 2022 at 16:49

    does any one know where i can find my old car, mk5 Cortina 1.6GL, MRN 252X would like to buy it back if possible

  16. Andy
    February 9, 2023 at 16:35

    any one advise where to get a rear inner valance for a 1981 Cortina MK5 4 door saloon 07818453690

  17. NickyE
    May 16, 2023 at 13:14

    Looking for advice on selling a Ford Cortina Crusader, beige. It is an unfinished project, due to my dad passing away suddenly last year. We believe we have all parts for the car.

  18. John V
    June 14, 2023 at 00:57

    Hello all, this is a complete longshot but should anyone ever come across a Cortina MkV 1.6 GL Registration No: XLD333X, i’d be extremely interested to know if it is still out there and potentially buy it back. This was the car I remember most growing up as a kid!

    Longshot of course but leave a message here.

    Cheers

  19. Sanjay
    July 3, 2023 at 17:30

    Does anyone by chance stock a pre-engaged starter motor for a 1982 Ford Cortina Mk 5 Ghia 2.0 automatic, if you can let me know please?

  20. Brian w Hume
    July 18, 2023 at 02:59

    I have a 1982 1.6 ghia .. thinking of putting a v8 in it but wondering if I should consider selling .. unmolested original car .. straight .. and rust free .. please advise as to rough value .. many thanks .. Brian

  21. Dipak Gohil
    August 10, 2023 at 21:57

    Hi
    I am looking for cortina mark 5. Brake Master Cylinder with Servo unit
    and Ingintion with keys. Can you help

  22. Dipak Gohil
    August 10, 2023 at 21:58

    oops my email is dipak-gohil@outlook.com

  23. Matthew Simpson
    August 26, 2023 at 08:13

    These may have fared better than it’s predecessor survival-wise, but they are still far from anything to write home about. Big shame!

  24. John
    December 8, 2023 at 02:31

    Good evening to you all I’m looking for a Mag 5 Cortina to buy For a birthday present for my dad as he keeps talking about. I would love a Cortina looking for a right one for the right money payment instantly please contact John on 07934) 883245. Thanks and happy Christmas to you all

  25. Malc
    December 11, 2023 at 12:12

    I wondering if anyone has got a mk5 cortina instrument cluster with the Rev counter on the left,temp fuel in centre and speedo to right, my car is a 2.0 GL, I’m desperately trying to get this car back to original..

  26. Allan Blyth
    February 16, 2024 at 18:18

    Hi

    My dad is interested in a Mk5 Ghia in great condition if anyone knows of one for sale? I was wondering do you have to join the club to get information on sales? We live in Trafford, Manchester. Thank you so much. Allan

    allanblyth666666@gmail.com

  27. WIANDER
    March 14, 2024 at 12:45

    hi i have 2L GL MARK 5 CORTINA

    DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY GAP SETTING AND FLOAT SETTING FOR ME ON THE DISTRUBITOR POINTS AND CARB