In 1982 the last Cortina left Ford’s Dagenham plant in east London, marking the end of a truly exceptional 25 year production run.

To say the Cortina was popular would be an understatement; it was the UK’s best-selling car for many years.  Ford has always ensured buyers of its products can choose from a wide range of options to suit their pockets and each of the 5 series of Cortina were no different; at one point there were 35 versions of the Mk III. 

The Cortina was replaced by the very different Sierra which continued its predecessor’s huge success.  The Museum’s two door 1965 Mk I Cortina can be found in the Memory Lane exhibition.