Ford Cortina Mark V (Mk5)
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.
29 Comments
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
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.
Hi I’ve a MKV Cortina Crusader, am looking to join a Cortina club, could you help me please
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
Got mek5 for sale mint condition phone number 07871698175
Got mrk 5 for sale mint condition phone number 07871698175
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 !
I think that what youposted made abunch of sense.
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.
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
Excellent and high-quality absolutely free and easy to watch on any device, just
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
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).
Sue,
It will need to be run on super unleaded (E5, 97+ Octane) – I get mine from a local BP station.
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
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?
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
any one advise where to get a rear inner valance for a 1981 Cortina MK5 4 door saloon 07818453690
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.
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
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?
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
Hi
I am looking for cortina mark 5. Brake Master Cylinder with Servo unit
and Ingintion with keys. Can you help
oops my email is dipak-gohil@outlook.com
These may have fared better than it’s predecessor survival-wise, but they are still far from anything to write home about. Big shame!
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
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..
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
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