Ford Cortina MK2 2-Door Polycarbonate Windows

The Ford Cortina Mk2 might have started life as a simple family car, but it didn’t take long for it to earn a reputation as a serious contender on both the rally stage and the race track. Launched in 1966 as the successor to the wildly successful Mk1, the Mk2 took everything that made the original great and refined it further. It was sleeker, stronger, and more capable, becoming a legend in its own right, both as a daily driver and a motorsport warrior.
On the surface, the Cortina Mk2 was a smartly designed, boxy saloon aimed at Britain’s middle class. It was bigger and more comfortable than the Mk1, with improved suspension and a stiffer chassis that made it a joy to drive, whether on the road or in competition. While base models were practical runabouts, Ford knew that a performance version was a must. Enter the Lotus Cortina Mk2, a car that would cement the Cortina’s place in motorsport history.
Ford had already teamed up with Lotus to create the Mk1 Lotus Cortina, a lightweight, high-performance version that dominated in racing and rallying. When the Mk2 arrived, expectations were high. The Lotus Cortina Mk2 came with a 1.6L twin-cam engine producing 109 horsepower, paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox and lightweight body panels. While it wasn’t as aggressively tuned as its Mk1 predecessor, it was still an absolute weapon on the track and in rallying. It retained the famous rear-wheel-drive setup, stiffened suspension, and quick steering, making it one of the most rewarding cars to drive of its era.
But the Lotus version wasn’t the only Mk2 Cortina to find success in motorsport. Privateers and Ford’s own competition department saw the standard 1.6L GT and even the bigger-engine 2.0L versions as perfect candidates for rallying. The Cortina GTs were widely used in European and British rallying, often competing alongside Ford Escorts and other RWD competitors. The lightweight design, rear-drive layout, and easily tunable engine made it a favorite for amateur and professional teams alike.
The Cortina Mk2 was particularly strong on fast gravel and tarmac rally stages, where its predictable handling and strong torque delivery made it a solid performer. It wasn’t as nimble as the Escort that followed, but it had a robust and rugged nature, meaning it could take a beating and keep going, something crucial in long-distance endurance rallies.
One of the Cortina’s greatest strengths in competition was how easy it was to modify. The Kent and Crossflow engines could be tuned for more power, the suspension could be stiffened and adjusted, and with the right tires and gearing, the Cortina could hold its own against much more exotic machinery. It was the definition of a working-class hero, a car that could be driven to work during the week and raced on the weekends.
Even outside of competition, the Mk2 Cortina was a favorite among driving enthusiasts. It had a simple but engaging feel, with direct steering, a lively chassis, and enough power to make things interesting. Whether in Lotus trim, GT spec, or even a modified street version, the Cortina was a true driver’s car, offering thrills at an affordable price.
Today, the Cortina Mk2 is a beloved classic, especially in its Lotus and GT variations. Restored examples are highly sought after, and it remains a regular sight at historic rally events, classic touring car races, and enthusiast gatherings. While the Escort eventually took over Ford’s rally and racing dominance, the Cortina Mk2 paved the way for Ford’s motorsport success and remains a legendary part of the brand’s performance history.
For those lucky enough to drive one today, the Cortina Mk2 is a time machine back to an era of raw, rear-wheel-drive excitement. It’s a car that proves that you don’t need big power or flashy looks to be an icon, you just need the right balance of simplicity, performance, and attitude.