Lot details

Year: 1970
Make: Ford
Model: Cortina Crayford 1600GT Mk. II
Registration: WOT 317H
Chassis No: BA96KY35788
Odometer: 22,000

The Ford Cortina Mk. II needs little introduction. Launched at the London Motor Show on 18th October 1966 and designed by Roy Haynes, it quickly became a cornerstone of British motoring. As one of the UK's best-selling cars of its era, the Cortina combined practicality, style, and performance in a way that reshaped expectations of the everyday motor car. Among the range, the 1600 GT stood out as a particularly desirable and spirited variant. Alongside Ford's official unveiling in 1966, Crayford Auto Developments, renowned coachbuilders based in Westerham, quietly revealed their own interpretation: a fully engineered convertible version of the Cortina Mk. II. Led by Jeffrey Smith and David McMullan, and building on their success with the Mk. I, Crayford developed the Mk. II Convertible in secrecy after being supplied a body shell by Ford's Terry Beckett. The result was a beautifully executed open-top car, offered through Ford dealerships as a new vehicle. However, production was extremely limited. With capacity restricted to approximately 10 cars per week, Crayford Convertibles were both exclusive and highly sought-after, making surviving examples today particularly rare and collectible. The Ford Cortina Mk. II needs little introduction. Launched at the London Motor Show on 18th October 1966 and designed by Roy Haynes, it quickly became a cornerstone of British motoring. As one of the UK's best-selling cars of its era, the Cortina combined practicality, style, and performance in a way that reshaped expectations of the everyday motor car. Among the range, the 1600 GT stood out as a particularly desirable and spirited variant. Alongside Ford's official unveiling in 1966, Crayford Auto Developments, renowned coachbuilders based in Westerham, quietly revealed their own interpretation: a fully engineered convertible version of the Cortina Mk. II. Led by Jeffrey Smith and David McMullan, and building on their success with the Mk. I, Crayford developed the Mk. II Convertible in secrecy after being supplied a body shell by Ford's Terry Beckett. The result was a beautifully executed open-top car, offered through Ford dealerships as a new vehicle. However, production was extremely limited. With capacity restricted to approximately 10 cars per week, Crayford Convertibles were both exclusive and highly sought-after, making surviving examples today particularly rare and collectible.

We are proud to present this exceptional and exceedingly rare Ford Cortina Mk. II 1600 GT Crayford Convertible, finished in elegant Ermine White with a beautifully preserved biscuit interior. This remarkable example has been under the care of its current owner for over five decades, an extraordinary 50-year custodianship that speaks volumes about the car's significance and the devotion it has inspired. Always garaged and meticulously maintained, it presents today in outstanding condition, rich with character, provenance, and an authentic story that is seldom matched.

The car offered here, registration WOT 317H, was first supplied by Oakley's Motor Services in Alton on 21st July 1970. Its early life took an unexpected turn following minor damage in 1973, when the first owner was unable to complete repairs. At this point, the current custodian, an experienced painter and vehicle repairer, acquired the car and embarked on what would become a lifelong passion project. The Cortina was carefully restored, repainted, and returned to the road, beginning a 50-year journey of enthusiastic ownership. During this time, it has been cherished as part of the family, used sparingly for weekend drives, classic car shows, and occasional special occasions.

Today, the car remains in truly impressive condition. It is structurally excellent, with a notably clean underside and boot area, and has clearly benefited from consistent care and regular use. While some age-related patina is visible, including minor imperfections in the paintwork and light pitting, these only enhance its authenticity and should be viewed in the context of a well-preserved, unrestored classic rather than a concours restoration.

Key Facts:
• 1970 Ford Cortina Mk. II 1600 GT
• Rare Crayford Convertible conversion
• Finished in Ermine White with biscuit interior
• Two owners from new
• Current ownership, 50+ years
• Just 21,903 genuine miles
• Original 13” Rostyle wheels with Michelin XZX tyres
• Structurally excellent, clean underside and boot
• Drives beautifully and remains in regular use
• Replacement convertible roof
• Original carpets, radio, and clock
• Interior wood trim in excellent condition
• Retains original dynamo system
• Outstanding provenance and history file

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a highly collectible and beautifully preserved example of a Crayford-converted Cortina, complete with a genuine, heartwarming ownership story and exceptional originality. Consigned by James Good