Stuffing an American V8 into small British cars rarely manifests itself in the form of a Cortina, and this custom creation shows zero signs of half-baked 24-pack engineering. Subtle oversized wheels and tires ride in unmodified fender openings. The tweaked small-block Ford V8 dwells beneath a stock hood, and any high schooler or nostalgia-fueled geezer could have added the “GT 40” door script. Gear-heads might suspect this 1965 Ford Cortina packs a mean right hook, but most drivers will wrongly spy a “cute old car” they plan to victimize with their V6 SUV at the next traffic light. Someone built this insane compact with a gleam in their eye, and 1,100 miles later it awaits a new owner who enjoys excitement and the occasional evil grin. Check out more pictures and details here at PremierCars, where $79,900 makes it yours. Thanks to reader Jack M. for spotting this unusual tiny tire shredder in Springfield, Missouri.
A stroked 302 now displaces 347 cid (5.7L). An eight-stack EFI system feeds AFR heads dumping into stainless exhaust headers, combining for a seller-estimated 500 HP. Check out those finned aluminum Holman Moody valve covers! The super-clean engine compartment detailing keeps many components under wraps, a fine testament to a well-conceived and nicely executed build.
Less than a year ago the Cortina bid to $70,000 on BringATrailer. Before you complain that removing a red stripe and adding some hardware store “GT40” stickers is hardly worth $10,000, remember everything costs more these days.
The subtle approach carries through the interior where even the roll cage is visible yet cleverly disguised. The cue ball shifter stirs a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox. Appliance white metal maintains the ’60s economy car vibe while bolstered seats and a Momo steering wheel invite as much fun as you dare. A narrowed Mustang II-style front suspension brings rack-and-pinion steering and Wilwood brakes.
Heidts IRS and Jaguar-style brakes look ready for anything, and adjustable coil-overs offer flexibility, though the stance looks perfect to me. What do you think of this unusually muscular British classic?
My folks and me with their ’66? Cortina, one generation after our feature car. It was an unusual sight in rural Pennsylvania.
Great shot! Is that your baby seat riding shotgun? Those were the days!
Thanks, 8banger. Yes that seat is part of the Stroll-o-Chair set that included modular parts including wheels, a table / stand, the chair and a bassinet. So the chair could be on the ground, in a car, on the stand for eating at a table, or on wheels for walking around. Space-age technology!
That’s a Mk2.
Love it! Hefty price but a lot of car. Was one of the best looking cars of the era.
Boy, that engine compartment is Packed and Neat.
That might be the best Sleeper ever.
Suspension and Baby Moon hub caps just make it Amazing.
In terms of something different, that’s the neatest thing I’ve seen in a while!
Cool car, well thought out and executed. Expensive for a reason. It’s so unique and well built it’s likely to attract a buyer at some point.
Steve R
Wow, very few cars get the Steve R. seal of approval!
One of the coolest cars I’ve seen on BF.