A couple of months ago we highlighted a Cortina Mk5 1300 two-doorway, the auto that introduced new proportions to the planet of poverty-specification motoring. By distinction, the driver of a Mk4 2.-litre Ghia would confidently stride by way of sales conferences from Eastleigh to New Malden, his/her rivals gasping in admiration at a Ford with tinted glass, a vinyl roof and a thrust-button radio as typical.
Dagenham’s authentic identify of choice to denote its flagships was Executive’ starting in 1965 with a absolutely-geared up variation of the Zodiac Mk3. Five years later on Ford obtained the famed Turin styling household Carrozzeria Ghia, and in 1974 its protect badge adorned the most high priced versions of the Granada.
The Cortina Mk4 debuted in September 1976, and prospective purchasers obtained the effect that the leading-of-the-variety model was a hugely exceptional equipment from Turin – as opposed to its true birthplace of Essex.
The brochures highlighted the Ghia’s “‘Crushed Velour’ with ‘Verona’ inserts” upholstery and “contoured rear seats”. At the opposite end of the Cortina spectrum, drivers of the base-model 1.3 had to make do with “black grained facia finish” and “illumination for rear amount plate”. At least all Mk4s featured carpeting, servo-assisted entrance brakes, hazard flashers, a cigar lighter and a driver’s door mirror as regular.