Description
Ford Cortina Mk4 Estate | Only 7.907 KM (!) 1977
Highlights:
– Only 7,907 km driven, verified
– Highly original body, paint and interior
– Rare Mk4 estate in base ‘L’ trim
– Includes documentation, literature, and magazine feature
– Recently fitted with new tyres and brake overhaul
The seller offers for sale this 1977 Ford Cortina Mk4 Estate 1.6L, a rare and remarkably preserved example of Ford’s practical family wagon. Originally discovered by a classic car dealer in Lisbon, Portugal, this Mk4 had been virtually unused since new and stored at a private residence. Its condition was so exceptional that it was purchased on the spot, despite the dealer usually specialising in sports and performance cars.
Powered by a 1600cc four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a manual gearbox, this Cortina remains in impressively original specification. The base-model ‘L’ trim lends this estate a minimalist appeal, complete with blanking plate where a radio would have been fitted—highlighting its unmodified, time-warp condition. The odometer reading of 7,900 kilometres is supported by documentation, including the original handbook, service book with just two stamps, dealer delivery paperwork, and its original Portuguese Ford Servico wallet.
The vehicle was imported to the UK around five years ago and has since remained in long-term dry storage. A recommissioning effort was recently undertaken, including a full brake service with a new master cylinder and a set of five brand new tyres. While some very light further recommissioning may be advisable before regular use, the mechanical condition is fundamentally solid. The exterior presents well, with an original body.
The interior is well preserved, with all trim and upholstery in good condition. The only noted flaw is a tear in the headliner behind the driver’s sun visor, which remains hidden from view during regular use.
Although the vehicle does not currently carry a UK MOT, it is exempt under the country’s laws for historic vehicles over 40 years old. It is registered with a UK V5 and qualifies for historic tax status.
The Ford Cortina Mk4 was introduced in 1976 as a facelift of the Mk3, with straighter lines and a more square-edged design aligning with Ford’s international design direction of the time. Designed under Uwe Bahnsen, the Mk4 shared its mechanical platform with the Mk3 but featured updated panels and a restyled front and rear. It continued Ford’s practice of offering a wide range of trims and body styles—from two-door saloons to practical estates like this one.
The estate version offered considerable load space and retained rear-wheel drive handling characteristics, making it popular among tradespeople, small families, and fleet buyers. The ‘L’ trim sat just above the base model and typically featured minimal interior enhancements, making surviving examples with unmodified interiors rare today.
In period, the Cortina was a dominant force in the UK market, consistently ranking as Britain’s best-selling car. However, few estates were cherished in the same way as their sportier siblings, meaning examples like this one—lightly used, unrestored, and complete with original paperwork—have become increasingly scarce.
Adding to its appeal, this particular Cortina has been featured in *Classic Ford* magazine, including a full-colour centre spread and front cover, copies of which are included in the sale. The presence of such press coverage underlines the car’s exceptional originality and the rarity of its specification.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Glasgow, Scotland.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a UK registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
