1970's Famous Five TV series Ford Cortina Estate

[Petermax]

I have a small treat in store purely for the delectation of diehard fans of the 1970's Famous Five TV series. Uncle Quentin's silver Mk4 Ford Cortina Estate car PNO 565R has of course been referred to previously on these forums, and its demise in 1986 is quite well known. It was therefore a great surprise to see this iconic car on the front page of an ancient October 1976 edition of Motor magazine, plus a small write up featuring several colour photographs. It was presumably fresh out of the factory and used as a demonstration vehicle prior to its two year stint of TV work.



Just click on the thumbnails to view and click on the enlarged images for the full sized versions.

I still look on Ebay on the off chance that a mid 1970's silver Mk4 Cortina Estate should make an appearance. Am I crazy enough to purchase my very own Uncle Quentin runabout? Quite possibly..........

[Timmy254]

Thanks for the pictures, Petermax!

If you'd buy such a car I'd definetly ask you, if you could give my mum and me a lift to the picnic venue again next May!

[Leslie]

Ah, seeing this made me feel nostalgic! My dad had a Cortina estate - twice! He was obsessed with military and everything linked to it - he did his service in Jordan (I think) so he chose to have the Cortinas in the desert colours! I think one was Sahara!
I always think of this when I watch the 70s series - I feel 'linked'! (Silly, eh?!) Dad obviously loved this car: the first he got was an M reg and the second an R. I may look at it and feel nostalgic but then I remember how we used to have problems starting it in the winter time. I was late for school a good few times - not something I liked, being late! However, those cars gave us good service so I can't complain. We also frequently travelled with a Doberman in the back!
Thanks for this Petermax - I love cars so I liked this!!!

[Petermax]

Thanks for the pictures, Petermax!
If you'd buy such a car I'd definetly ask you, if you could give my mum and me a lift to the picnic venue again next May!

1970's cars never seemed to have problems with steering locks, far more simple, robust technology back then

but then I remember how we used to have problems starting it in the winter time. I was late for school a good few times

My street during the 1970's was hilarious on cold winter mornings when all the Fords on the driveways would chug in unison, desperatley trying to fire up. One two succeeded only to die almost immediately !

[Leslie]

Thanks for the pictures, Petermax!
If you'd buy such a car I'd definetly ask you, if you could give my mum and me a lift to the picnic venue again next May!

1970's cars never seemed to have problems with steering locks, far more simple, robust technology back then

but then I remember how we used to have problems starting it in the winter time. I was late for school a good few times

My street during the 1970's was hilarious on cold winter mornings when all the Fords on the driveways would chug in unison, desperatley trying to fire up. One two succeeded only to die almost immediately !

I had an uncle who lived down the road from us - he used to come up and I used to watch him try to jump start it!

[Zar Quon]

Am I crazy enough to purchase my very own Uncle Quentin runabout? Quite possibly..........

Hopefully one in better nick than Jack Regans:

http://www.thetvlounge.co.uk/sweeney/vi ... f=11&t=554" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Lucky Star]

Excellent find Petermax. That car was obviously predestined for fame. We had a cortina as well but it was the model before that one, I'm not expert enough to know the model number or anything like that. But it was big and red and with a little imagination it could have been the Starsky and Hutch car. I remember asking my dad to get a white stripe painted on the side but for some reason he refused.

[George@Kirrin]

Oooh what a fab find!!!

As some of you know I have two cars, both registered in the 70's (one being due her MOT tomorrow so please cross your fingers) They don't make them like they used to!

[Lucky Star]

(one being due her MOT tomorrow so please cross your fingers)

Is that Saffy? I'll cross fingers and toes for her.

[Dick Kirrin]

Did the finger-crossing help? I hope so.

Actually, I was very close to buying a Taunus, as the Cortina was called in Germany from my friendly Ford dealer this spring. As I wouldn't have had a place to keep it safe in winter, I reluctantly refrainded from buying... . I'm still on the lookout for a Granada or an Escort, however. The Escort should be the 1980s version as that was the first car I had.
Starting problems in winter? Not happened to me so far, touch wood. Maybe there is something to more modern designs after all.

Cheers

Dick Kirrin

PS: I cannot say for sure as likings or dislikings for cars are purely beyond reason, but my decision to buy a grey Mondeo (Cortina's grandson, so to speak) may have been influenced by a certain TV series.

[Wolfgang]

I'm still on the lookout for a Granada, however.
Cheers

Dick Kirrin

Are you looking for the car of your kidnappers ?

[Dick Kirrin]

Are you looking for the car of your kidnappers ?

More or less so. I wouldn't say no to the 2.3l V6 engine they had in that car, and the sunroof is as must-have extra, too. But I'd rather go for the estate. Might come in handy whenever George and Timmy come along on a trip... . The boot of the saloon could also be a bit too small for the tents and the amount of food we'd have to take along. How on earth did we do it when we were still depending on bikes?

Cheers

Dick Kirrin

[Petermax]

It was with great joy today that I spotted a 1978 Mk4 Ford Cortina Estate at a classic car show in Harmans Cross. Sadly, the owner was absent, so I was therefore unable to enquire as to whether the vehicle was for sale. Naturally my new purchase would have been resprayed into silver within a very short time!


More photos of this beautifully restored vehicle may be viewed here. Mk4 Cortinas are now a very rare sight indeed.

[Dick Kirrin]

Good luck with your hunting, Petermax. Lovely photos, too. It's sad that the MK4 Cortinas are dying out. I still can remember Taunus (German name for the Cortina) and Granada models driving around the streets of my home town. But then, how many Sierras or Cevaliers/Asconas are left?

Cheers

Dick Kirrin