Ford, Cortina in Cars & Bakkies in South Africa

The Ford Cortina was made by Ford from 1962 to 1982. It was a popular car in South Africa, and used Cortinas remained more popular than the Sierra or Mondeo models that followed it during the 1980s. The Cortina saw several different versions throughout its production, and shoppers can find many varieties of used Ford Cortinas for sale.

V6 Essex Cortina

The V6 Essex Cortina is the oldest version available in South Africa, and many regard it as a classic. This vehicle uses the Mark II base, but Basil Green Motors customised several features on the vehicle. Engine sizes are either 2.5L or 3.0L, but both are larger than the V4 Kent versions found overseas. This four-door saloon vehicle remained the flagship vehicle of the Cortina lineup in South Africa until Ford introduced the Mark V version in 1980.

Mark V Cortina Versions

The Mark V Cortina came in a variety of styles, many less powerful than the Essex. The little 1.3L, 1.6L GL, and 2.0L GL Ghia became available during the early 1980s. The 3.0 XR6 released in 1980 is an updated version of the Essex. It features the same powerful engine along with an updated sport design. The most rare XR6 Cortina is the XR6 Interceptor. Ford produced only 200 of these vehicles, all of them in red, for streetcar racing. They feature triple carburetors, heavy camshafts, revised suspensions, and wider wheels than regular Cortinas.

Estate versions of the Ford Cortina also appeared in the early 1980s. Shoppers could pick between the 1.6L or the 2.0L. Estate Cortinas featured an enlarged passenger area, and many called the vehicle a 'station wagon'. These models proved popular with large families.

Bakkie

Lucky shoppers may also find a secondhand Cortina called a "Bakkie" for sale. First introduced in South Africa in 1971, this version was a Cortina redesigned as a pickup truck. This little truck became so popular that Ford eventually exported the model to the U.K. The sturdy Bakkie remained in production until the mid 1980s.

The Ford Cortina in South Africa was an extremely popular vehicle. Shoppers can find plenty of used Ford Cortinas for sale online in many different versions. Popular models include the Essex versions of the 1970s, the little Bakkie truck, and the Mark V versions from the 1980s.