Ford Cortina 1964–1966 car dimensions: 4275 mm long, 1587 mm wide and 1365 mm high. Unladen weight is 842 kg.
Bolstered front bucket seats with side support sit either side of a centre console and armrest storage. A wood-rimmed steering wheel faces a full set of gauges covering speed, revs, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel. Heater is standard and from late 1964 the Aeroflow system adds face-level fresh air vents plus rear pillar outlets for better cabin airflow. No electronic driver aids feature.
Boot space suits everyday saloon use. Early cars mount the battery and spare wheel inside the boot, which takes some room, while later leaf-spring cars free up more of the floor.
Payload sits at 400 kg. No towing figures appear in the published specs. The suspension receives Lotus upgrades with shorter struts, heavier anti-roll bar and revised rear location for sharper road manners, though the car remains a light road saloon rather than a work tool.
Front seats are separate buckets with good support and improved side bolsters for a firm hold. They adjust forward and upward together. Matt black PVC upholstery covers the cabin with a light headlining and centre console. A wood-rimmed steering wheel sits ahead of a full set of gauges including tachometer. From late 1964 Aeroflow brings fresh-air eyeball vents at the dash ends plus rear pillar extractors for steady airflow without drafts. The rear seat feels cramped and less supportive. Engine noise can tire on long runs but the overall feel is purposeful and snug for a small saloon.
Fuel use around 20 mpg imperial under mixed conditions
Engine oil change every 1900 miles
Gearbox oil and greasing points every 5000 miles
Servo-assisted front discs and rear drums standard
Front seat belts available as extra
The twin-cam runs on 100-octane fuel and returns about 20 imperial miles per gallon in normal use, with a tank holding roughly 8.8 imperial gallons for a practical range near 200 miles. Higher speeds drop economy into the high teens.
Servicing calls for engine oil and filter every 1900 miles using SAE 20W-40. Gearbox oil changes and chassis greasing at eight points fall every 5000 miles. Cooling system holds about 7 litres. Ford dealer networks handle routine work with good parts supply.
Safety kit centres on Girling servo front discs paired with rear drums that stop hard and progressively. Seat belts for the front were a factory extra. No official crash ratings exist for the era. The monocoque shell is light yet stiffened for the higher performance.
Living with the car means watching rear axle and differential oil levels on early A-frame cars, as leaks were common before the later leaf-spring change. Alloy panels and close-ratio gears on first cars need careful maintenance. Overall it stays simple and rewarding if kept on the recommended schedule.
Length 4275 mm, Width 1587 mm, Height 1365 mm, Wheelbase 2489 mm (Cortina 1964–1966)
Sources: manufacturer data, motor-car.net and ultimatespecs.com and classicandsportscar.com.