FORD FOURS

Fifty years ago this year, Ford of Britain launched not only a completely new car – the Cortina Mk3 – but an all-new engine to go with it – commonly known as the Pinto. Unofficially named after the Ford Pinto economy car (which also used the UK-built 1600 Crossflow), the Ford SOHC joined two other Ford fours in 1970 – these being the Kent Crossflow just mentioned and the 1700/2000 Ford Essex V4.

So, starting at the beginning we’ll discuss each engine in turn – it’s merits, problems, vehicle applications. We’d also like to hear of your memories and experiences of these legendary motors.

711 KENT CROSSFLOW

1967-1983

In 1970, Ford were still making the Mk2 Cortina complete with Crossflow power. 1300cc and 1600cc with high compression GT options in the 1600GT and 1600E, the Crossflow replaced the pre-crossflow in 1967. There were also 940cc (Europe only) and 110Occ versions for the Mk1 Escort. The Crossflow used a flat cylinder-head and a bowl in piston combustion chamber with a small chamber on 1600 units. In 1970 the Crossflow was revised for the facelift Escorts and the new Cortina Mk3 and renamed 711 (1100 and 1300) and 711M (1600).

The Crossflow saw active service in the 1600 Cortina and Capri until September 1973 when it was replaced by a Pinto, but it was used in the 1300 Cortina and Capri until the end of 1982. It was also used in the Mk1 Mexico in 1600GT form until late 1974 and from here, the Mk2 Escort until 1980.

FAULTS

The Kent was a good engine with very few faults as such – just wear and tear, oil leaks and so on. With regular oil changes they tend to go on indefinitely.

1970s-1990s

ENGINES, CARS

Transverse applications were also used, starting with the 1977 Fiesta 1600 in the USA and then the Fiesta 1300 from late 1977.