MK3 CORTINA
The shape of the Cortina throughout the years has always been a good reflection of the times in which they were made. Where previous Cortinas tended to be boxy and defined, the release of the shapely Mk3 at the start of the 1970s became an instant icon.
Its Coke bottle design wasn’t the only thing new to Ford either, as it was given an all-new platform and drivetrains, including the now-legendary Pinto for the first time. Due to the Mk3’s bigger-than-average size, softer ride and stylish exterior, it soon became popular as a cruiser rather than a racer, although that didn’t stop people shoehorning engines of all types in over the years. Sadly, the Mk3 didn’t enjoy the racing heritage of previous models, and there were no real high-performance models either, other than the Savage conversions. However, that’s not to say they can’t be given the performance treatment and as the legendary Pinto engine was standard fitment in some models, you won’t be surprised to learn that Cosworth YB power goes in with very little encouragement. Then there is the option to change the engine to something a bit meatier, like a 24-valveV6 for example.
Everything you need to know to update and uprate a Mk3 is in here, so let’s get to it.
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The introduction of the Mk3 in the 1970s marked a new beginning in Ford car design as the boxy shape of
