From 1962-1982 the Ford Cortina was a mid-sized family car built by Ford of Britain and was produced in five generations, Mark I through to Mark V.
In New Zealand the Cortina range generally followed that of Britain and assembly ran from Ford's Lower Hut (seaview) plant, 37-45 Seaview Road and Cortina range was produced there from 1962 to 1983.
The Seaview plant opened in 1936 and closed in 1988 where it made some of the best Ford cars to date.

•   Zephyr
•   Zodica
•   Anglia
•   Falcon
•   Escort
•   Cortina
•   Sierra

All flavours of the Cortina sold over one million, with each successive model proving more popular than its predecessor.  The Ford Cortina had a long and healthy life but was eventually replaced with the Ford Telstar and the Ford Sierra.  The name Cortina was inspired by the name of the Italian ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Models

1.  Cortina Mark I (1962 - 1966)
2.  Cortina Mark II (1966 - 1970)
3.  Cortina Mark III (1970 - 1976)
4.  Cortina Mark IV (1979 - 1979)
5.  Cortina Mark V (1979 - 1983)

The Classic Cortina Car Club started in the mid 1980's with a small group of Cortina enthusiasts in Christchurch.  The Club wanted to promote Lotus, 1600E, GT, GTE in the MK1 and MK2 only, as they were seen as the more desirable car to collect.
As time went on the Classic Cortina Club name became a regular feature at the car shows in Canterbury and other places around the country.  The membership slowly grew in numbers and the club eventually included MK3, 4, and 5.
Now in 2010 the club is still growing strong and the club is into helping members and non-members with their restoration projects, the sale of their Cortina, or just a friendly chat about the good old days.
There is a magazine that is produced quarterly for members.  Club members meet on the first Tuesday of every month and non-members are welcome to visit.  There are club events and shows, grass gymkhanas and barbeques happening throughout the year, any excuse to take your Cortina out for a drive seems to appeal to most members.

                Please feel free to contact any of the Committee Members for further information