Mk1 GT Cortina Identification.

[pluralby2]

Hello all. I need your help please.

I am keen to buy a genuine Mk1 GT Cortina. Two of the cars I am interested in don't have ID prefixes that conform to the format I have seen on the internet. One claims to be an early Mk1 GT with an ID prefix of ABSCD and a model number 21112. I think this one is dodgy. The second claims to be a 1964 GT with a prefix of CBRCD and model number 27232. While the model number of this one seems OK the prefix still worries me. Also this car has the same numbers stamped into the bodywork. I have not seen any mention anywhere of ID numbers for Cortinas being stamped into the body work. Can anyone interpret all of this for me please. Thanks

[simon varley]

neither of those look right to me. look at this thread

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=6700547

[pluralby2]

Thanks Simon. That is what I have been comparing it to. Both owners are adamant that their cars are legitimate so I am looking for advice from someone who knows more than me before I bail out on both of them. Cheers.

[Rallye Sport]

Can't find any info on the first one, in 63 and possibly early 64 some GT's were being bought in from the UK for motorsport use, might be worth checking English model ID's
Heres a breakdown on the second.
CB= Australian built
R= Right hand drive
C= May
D= 1964

27232= 4 door GT
There should also be some numbers on the chassis, Vin on the strut tower and a model number on the radiator support, this one will identify what it is, GT, 240, 440 etc. These can be missing if the radiator panel has ever been changed dur to accident damage.

[simon varley]

https://www.rsmotorsport.com.au/ford...ortinamki.html

confirms the 27232 code

[pluralby2]

Thank you.

[chappy60]

There is a 28112 code which is a 2 door deluxe with a 1200 motor
The 27232 is a 4 door GT The body numbers are stamped on the
radiator support panel there will be another stamping on the RH
strut tower early cars had a 116E engine casting number = 1500cc
you really need to look under the cars to see if they have the tramp
rods fitted real early cars have a strip speedo that goes to 110mph
column tacho and 2 gauges in the console 64 cars had 3 large gauges
these were the consul cortinas the airflow had 2 gauges speedo ,tacho
and 4 gauges in the centre they were made through to 1967

[jerpjw@gmail.com]

I'm hoping you may be able to assist in deciphering my ID plate on my MK1 GT Cortina. It reads as follows:

CG78GK 39659 210610 12437

F X K L

[simon varley]

CG Ford of Britain CKD (Broadmeadows assy)
78 4 door GT
GK Feb 1967


12437 Cortina "GT" Sedan 4 Door - Bucket Seat

F 1500cc GT
X 4 speed close ratio floor shift
K Silver Grey exterior ???
L 4.4:1 rear axle ratio

[jerpjw@gmail.com]

Thank you muchly appreciated.

[SlotBaker]

Hi Chaps, I'm also hoping to find out the details for this Cortina GT, and confirm engine number please - 15CA13732

TIA,
Steve K

[simon varley]

Code Body Description Engine Rear Axle
27234 4 Door GT 1500cc 3.9 : 1

FS March 1966

[Citroënbender]

Ivy green; really nice colour with modern COB paints.

[SlotBaker]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Ivy green; really nice colour with modern COB paints.

Thanks CB, can you please share with us, the source of your response?

Originally Posted by simon varley

Code Body Description Engine Rear Axle
27234 4 Door GT 1500cc 3.9 : 1

FS March 1966

Thanks Simon, can you please share with us, the source of your response for the date? Is it F=March, and S=1966?

I see the "27234" info from RSMotorsport.

Any confirmation on what the engine number tells us?
15CA13732

Cheers Chaps,
Steve K

[simon varley]

http://www.fomoco.com.au/id.html

it's a Falcon site, but the date codes are universal

[Citroënbender]

The short answer is, I don’t have a reference source outside my memory.

X is the colour code, I had a ‘65 Falcon in that colour - hence recognising it. The triple code represents roof, main body and any insert (like a side flash) colour.

So, for example, AXX would be your Ivy Green car but with an Arctic White roof. (I also had a ‘64 Falcon colour code A88 - white roof on a lovely blue lower that I can’t remember the name of).

[SlotBaker]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

The short answer is, I don’t have a reference source outside my memory.

Originally Posted by simon varley

http://www.fomoco.com.au/id.html
it's a Falcon site, but the date codes are universal

Many thanks guys.

[simon varley]

https://www.rsmotorsport.com.au/ford...rtinamkii.html

this has the X - Ivy Green (for a 67 mk2) but not what XXX is overall

the mk1 page here doesn't list an X at all, nor does it have 4461 as a trim code.

https://www.rsmotorsport.com.au/ford...ortinamki.html

[SlotBaker]

Originally Posted by simon varley

https://www.rsmotorsport.com.au/ford...rtinamkii.html

this has the X - Ivy Green (for a 67 mk2) but not what XXX is overall

the mk1 page here doesn't list an X at all, nor does it have 4461 as a trim code.

https://www.rsmotorsport.com.au/ford...ortinamki.html

Hi Simon, yes, I'm still a bit unclear on the "XXX" for the paint code.

There is another thread by Paull,
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...34&postcount=4
where he posted;
"1965/67 codes and colours
D = Sunlight Beige met
N = Honey Gold met
X = Ivy Green met
Z = Silver Blue met"

Which doesn't specifically mention Ivy Green for the Mk1, so I'm not 100% sold on that yet.
The colour on the car looks like it could be right, so I'm going to go with it until I can confirm, one way or another.



I originally thought the "XXX" may have been non-standard colour, or some other instruction.

Thanks mate.

[SlotBaker]

I'm still looking for some info about the engine number to confirm if it's the right donk for our GT.

Engine No. 15CA13732

Can someone point me to where to find the details?

Many thanks.
Steve K

[Citroënbender]

That is Colour “X”, Ivy Green, absolutely.

I’ve tried to explain the three-character colour codes clearly; it would be churlish to reject the information because I can’t cite an internet resource. Ford would not invent a parallel yet different regimen for colour notations on other models they made in the same country, in the same year, for the same market.

[SlotBaker]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

That is Colour “X”, Ivy Green, absolutely.

I’ve tried to explain the three-character colour codes clearly; it would be churlish to reject the information because I can’t cite an internet resource. Ford would not invent a parallel yet different regimen for colour notations on other models they made in the same country, in the same year, for the same market.

Thank you for following up and confirming the colour.

I'm sorry if I upset you, and I'm certainly not wanting to be rude, or ungracious.

Yes, you did explain your reasoning behind your comment, I accepted it and thanked you.
I have no reason to question how Ford operate, and your rationale is sound.

My mindset comes from 20 years of doing genealogy research about my family, and unless information can be confirmed with "official" records, or by multiple sources for cross reference, it can't be accepted as factual.

Thanks again for taking the time to give me feedback.
Steve K