Ford - Ford Cortina

The Ford Cortina name was used on a considerable number of Ford models over the five versions of the Cortina, which spanned a 20 year period. The original 2 and 4 door Ford Cortina was available between 1962 and 1968, originally with an enlarged Anglia 1200cc engine, and by 1966 the Cortina was 1300cc. There were also a couple of 1500cc cars in the range from 1963. And in addition there was the 2 door competition Ford Lotus Cortina in white (with green side flash) fitted with the Lotus twin cam engine.

From 1966 to 1970 the shorter and wider Mk2 Cortina was an all new car with engine bored out to 1500cc, which were the Cortina 1500 with 65bhp or the 1600cc Cortina GT with 83.5 bhp. These Cortinas were supplemented from 1967 with the Cortina 1300, 1600, 1600E and Cortina GT with 2 door and 4 door models, which with their various stages of trim and specifications offered a huge choice, and sold well. And there was also the competition Lotus Cortina 1558cc twin cam version.

From 1970 the Cortina Mk3 was the development resulting from the German and British Ford of Europe merger, in a similar range of 1300, 1600, 1600GT, 2000 and 2300 models. One final thing to mention for interest is that the cars sold by Ford Germany throughout mainland Europe were sold under the name Ford Taunus, and from 1970 the Taunus was identical with the Ford Cortina Mk3, after which Ford models carried on in tandem from that time onward - the main difference being the right hand drive specification of the British cars.

Tyre sizes on the various models of Ford Cortina :

- The earlier (1962-1966) Cortina 1200 and Cortina 1300 (built during 1966-1967) had as original fitment 5.20x13 cross ply tyres, which is radial 145R13 tyre size equivalent, which were fitted to 4 J wheel rims. Blockley produces this 145R13 tyre with a high quality period authentic correct pattern 145R13 tyre with steel belted construction - see full details below.

- The 1963 to 1966 Ford Cortina Mk1 and Cortina GT 1500cc cars were originally fitted with 5.60x13 tyres, which is radial equivalent 165R13 tyre size. Blockley produces this high speed rated steel belt construction 165HR13 tyre size, details below.

- Lotus Cortina tyre size was listed with both 6.00x13 and its radial equivalent tyre size 165R13, using a 5 1/2 J wheel rim. The Blockley tread pattern on our steel belted high speed rated 165HR13 is period perfect for the Lotus Cortina. See full details below.

- The Mk.2 Ford Cortina 1300 stuck with the 145R13 size, while the other Mk.2 Cortina variations used the the 5.60x13 and equivalent radial 165R13 size. Even the Lotus Cortina was specified with 165R13 tyres originally. So our recommendation is the radial Blockley 165HR13 tyre, and for those wanting a wider non standard tyre of the same diameter, there is also the Blockley 185/70VR13 tyre, as well as the slightly smaller diameter 175/70VR13 choice.

- For Cortina Mk3 (1970 to 1976) tyres were as standard the 165HR13 size fited to the standard 4.5 J wheel. A wider tyre of the same diameter 185/70VR13 is also available from Blockey for those fitting wider tyres on wider wheels.

- Mk4 Cortina (1976 to 1979) also had as standard the 4.5J wheel and 165R13 tyre, but the optional wider 5.5J wheel was fitted with the wiser but same diameter 185/70R13 tyre size. See full details of the 165HR13 and 185/70VR13 Blockley tyres at teh links below.

- Note that no Cortina was ever factory listed with the slightly smaller diameter 175/70R13 tyre, a size which did see use on another Ford model, but we list this size below as some Cortina owners like this size. Certainly the tyre manufacturers themselves later on listed this 175/70R13 tyre size as suitable for the Cortina Mk2 and Mk3. Blockley produces a high speed rated excellent period correct 175/70VR13 tyre size - see full details below.

- Remember in 13" Blockley also produces the 235/60VR13 tyre suitable for 5 1/2" rim (and suitable for up to a 9" rim widths), should anyone be contemplating anything special!

Blockley Products for Ford Ford Cortina

235/60VR13

Blockley Radial

£169.00 (£202.80 inc. VAT)

13/14 inch Rim Band (45mm wide)

Blockley Rim Band

£3.30 (£3.96 inc. VAT)

185/70VR13

Blockley Radial

£99.00 (£118.80 inc. VAT)

155/165x13 Thickened Inner Tube

Blockley Thickened Inner Tube

£12.00 (£14.40 inc. VAT)

165HR13

165HR13

£83.00 (£99.60 inc. VAT)

145R13

Blockley Radial

£62.00 (£74.40 inc. VAT)

175/70VR13

175/70VR13

£89.00 (£106.80 inc. VAT)