One of the best loved versions of the Cortina appeared in 1967, the 1600E. The 1600E offered a blend of sporting style and luxury with its comprehensive specification. Standard equipment included sports suspension, Rostyle 5.5" J rim wheels, spot lamps, vinyl roof and metallic paint.
The Ford engineers fitted the car with the Cortina GT "Kent" crossflow engine developing 88 bhp @ 5400 rpm, and it could reach 60 mph in just under 12 seconds. Given that this was a performance Cortina, disc brakes were also fitted up front, with drums at the rear.
The 1600E interior came equally well equipped and included special rear bucket seats, reclining front seats, sports steering wheel, extra instruments and, arguably the most remembered feature today, special wood veneer trim.
Identifying badges were located on the bootlid and on the C-pillars, plus the car also featured extra driving lamps mounted in the grille using support brackets, and reversing lights mounted on the body underneath the rear bumper. Other identifying features were the blacked-out grill, metallic paint job and, on many, the optional vinyl roof.
Production ended in 1970 and despite attempts at reviving the idea of an "Executive" version of other, later models, Ford never recaptured the original feel of the Cortina Mk II based 1600E.
