The Ford Cortina GTE – a rare beast, as it was only made in New Zealand for one year.

We should here highlight what makes the GTE unique over its birth mother – the English GT.

To start with the car's interior is based on a mix of 1600E and GT. For instance, the GT instruments are moved down into the dash and then the whole dashboard is faced with a thick fascia of polished Kiwi wood – hence the deep recesses to allow switches and dials (that are in the metal dash underneath) to be used.

Seats are high-back buckets up front and a sculptured pair in the back with a central armrest for passengers – all at a time when the local Cortina had a bench and column change. Seatbelts had a special clip on the centre console when not in use, there's a cover over the handbrake, a remote gear lever with wooden knob, a clock, and a central mounting position for the radio.

Luxury extended to ashtrays front and rear, and a cigar lighter. Finally, a beautifully made chromed lever was added down by driver's seat – a feature to open the boot. In the boot was full carpeting, a covered spare, and handy light.

On the outside just four colours were available, though they were all iridescent, and exterior trim included side stripes and a vinyl roof. There's a sporty matte black grille and back panel, Lucas spotlights, twin reversing lights, and GTE badges. The standard tires were described as “fat radials though the wheels are just 4.5J rims with fancy wheel covers.

The drivetrain was all Cortina GT, which meant a civilised 1600cc cross-flow warmed to 69kW (93bhp) by way of nine to one compression, a twin choke Weber, extractors and a mild cam grind. Nothing radical but sweet and torquey, which it needs to be with the very high first gear of the close-ratio four-speed 'box.

The brakes were power-assisted disc/drums and the suspension firmed but still, by even contemporary standards, quite soft. This is a bullet-proof powertrain with huge potential for more performance if wanted.

A contemporary road test described the 1600GTE as “somewhere between a sports car and an elegant, expensive family saloon and that seems just right. The suspension is fairly soft and absorbent and therefore not as quick to turn in.

The steering is unassisted,  light enough and feels nicely weighty.

The gearbox on these cars is just plain good. Changes through like the proverbial hot knife through butter. There's no resistance at all, no hesitation, just a really lovely feel.

That quietness and the good seats make for a comfortable and usable daily driver.

This GTE is a true NZ icon, a luxury machine with distinctly sporting features - a rare and valuable standout charmer to be proud of.

The whole Cortina range was always a best-seller in New Zealand. If you fancy a GTE be prepared to spend decent money, for a good, original one like this car, which also has matching numbers; is in very good going condition; has all the right parts etc.

There are plenty of fake GTE's around. Always talk to the very approachable Classic Cortina Club (www.classiccortina.co.nz) first – they can be of great assistance to anyone thinking of buying himself a GTE.

This car comes with 4 brand new tires. We have recently professionally replaced both front Seat belts and Buckles; lubed and tuned Vehicle; replaced studs and nuts on both front wheels; reconditioned brake booster; gave the car a good engine service, changed plugs, condensor, points etc.

Car Drives Beautifully and is ready to be enjoyed. It will be sold with a 6 month WOF and 12 month Registration.

SHIPPING / TRANSPORT CAN BE ORGANISED ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

At Waimak Classic Cars, we have been privately collecting classic cars and memorabilia for a number of years.

Our contacts extend throughout New Zealand, Australia, the UK and in various parts of the world. If you have anything to sell or if you are looking for that something special, we're always happy to talk cars!

Contact Jesmond on +64 (0) 3 3106485 / +64 (0) 274990020 or info@waimakclassiccars.co.nz.

Serious enquiries only please and NO TEXTS.

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