1964 Ford Corsair 1500 Deluxe Automatic           Chassis N...

Hammer

£1,700

1964 Ford Corsair 1500 Deluxe Automatic          

Chassis Number: H16D154078C
Registration Number: AHR 349B
Recorded Mileage: 36,300

Debuting at the 1963 London Motorshow, the new Corsair was designed to fill a gap in Ford’s model line-up that few knew even existed.

A replacement for the Consul Classic range, it was effectively a long wheelbase version of the Cortina MkI but with a comprehensively re-styled body that was clearly inspired by the American Ford Thunderbird. A sharp horizontal V-shaped crease at the very front of the car gave it an aerodynamic look while at the rear the jet-like theme continued with sharply pointed vertical light clusters which hinted at fins.

The Corsair was powered by a 60bhp 1.5-litre Kent engine rather than the big 289 cubic-inch V8 that came with its transatlantic cousin, but from September 1965 the range was updated with the new V4 1,633cc Essex engine which produced 76bhp and could get the car to 60mph in 15 seconds with a top speed of 90mph. A 2-litre version was soon to follow which raised the top speed to 110mph.The Corsair was replaced by the MkIII ‘coke bottle’ Cortina in 1970, by then 310,000 Corsairs of all types were built of which only a few hundred are still UK registered.

This example was manufactured at the Hailwood plant in March of 1964, later used by local brewers Ushers of Trowbridge as a fleet vehicle, ownership later passed to the current family in the mid-1970s. Around 1978 the Corsair was laid up in dry storage by its lady owner, and has not turned a wheel since. The Corsair is finished in dark green with a matching vinyl interior. Interestingly and unusually the car features additional driving lights built into the front grille, a feature we have not as yet on other examples.

Showing just over 36,000 miles from new, the car is in complete and unmolested condition, having been well stored over the years, and is ready to be taken on by its next owner and returned to the road. Offered with No Reserve, this is a great prospect for the budding restorer.

This Lot is offered with No Reserve to the highest bidder on the day.

All proceeds of this sale will be donated to the Manx Grand Prix Helicopter Fund.