1972 Ford Cortina Super Speed

Welcome to the sale of this very rare, and very unique Ford Cortina Mk3 Super Speed.
A full walkaround video can be seen here – Walkaround Video

Believed to be 1 of only 2 remaining, this example has been modified in a very period ‘street rod’ fashion.

3.3L Essex V6 Super Speed
Great History file
Repainted in early 2000’s
21 MOT Certificates
Fully re-trimmed interior
Super Speed VIN plaque included in history file

Having been part of a large indoor heated, private collection for the last 5 years, this example is only available due to space constraints.

Originally a 2.0 GXL, this Cortina was then one of the very few Mk3 Cortina’s that underwent the full Super Speed conversion.
A letter from Super Speed conversions dated April 1983 confirms that it was converted by them in 1972, and gives the specification.

Invoices in the file include a repaint invoice of over £4,000.00 in 1996, plus general works invoices and some 21 MOT certificates, old tax discs and Super Speed road test magazine features.
Also, quite importantly – the SuperSpeed VIN plaque/decal is retained within the history file.

Original and very early owner details are not known, but we can trace back to the fifth owner who owned the car from 1992 to 2008.

In 2008 the car was purchased by an enthusiast who spent a lot of time and money making the car what it is today.
Then in 2014 the current owner purchased the car and it has since been stored indoors in a heated environment and enjoyed on the odd sunny day.

This Cortina Super Speed is has been finished in a unique two tone blue paint scheme, straight from the 70’s/80’s ‘street rod’ period.

The stripes are painted (not vinyl) and are finished with a very period metal flake, which looks fantastic, especially when the sun hits the paintwork.
With this repaint having been completed some 10 years ago, it has really stood the test of time as it still fantastic even today, with very few marks or imperfections.

All trims, badges and lights are in good order as you would expect for a well loved example.

Really should be seen to be appreciated.

As can be seen in the pictures, the interior has been fully re-trimmed to a very high standard.

Both front seats, rear seats, and door cards have been trimmed in black/blue leather giving a fantastic finish – especially with the ‘Super Speed’ logo embroidered in the front seats.
Door cards have been trimmed to match both front and rear, and a RS steering wheel is in place, along with a very period 8 Ball gear knob.

All gauges work just as they should do, including the centre console gauges.
A separate fuel pump cut off switch is hidden so the car can be disabled should you so wish whilst away from the car.

A very well presented interior, that really helps give this very rare car, a very special feel.

The Essex V6 really requires very little introduction, after all it is a world famous engine….

The Super Speed conversion utilised this world famous engine, giving the Cortina the power, and noise that the almost muscle car looks truly deserved.
This example is actually 3304cc and although exact power output is unknown, it has certainly given the Cortina great performance.

As well as the improved performance, is the quite simply beautiful noise thanks to the custom exhaust system.
As you would expect, the car runs very well even from cold, and gives fantastic performance on the open road.

The engine bay itself presents well, with room for minor improvements for the keen enthusiast if they so wished to take it to the next level.

The letter from Super Speed notes that this Cortina not only had the Essex V6 engine fitted, but also benefited from the rear axle ratio being changed to 3.22, and had uprated shock absorbers and springs fitted.

Since then the car has had the wheels changed to 15″ Image Alloy Wheels, which are an expensive addition to the car, and finish off the period look perfectly.
The car drives very well indeed, driving straight and true on the road, and it is refreshing to drive a Mk3 Cortina with good brakes.

The clutch and gearbox operate very nicely, and the car has no unwanted noises at all.