1. JD's Ford Corsair.
Firstly, two more colour photographs from JD's car album, this time showing his Ford Corsair saloon. The first photo shows the Corsair parked up outside his home, Post Office House, on Shetland. At the time JD was building himself a commercial workshop, which can be seen in the background of the second photograph (Brewtyn Ltd, East Shore Garage). By this time, the Corsair had received something of a make-over - note the change to two tone paintwork, and modern reflective numberplates. The extra badges and large Lucas spotlamps were carried over to the re-furbished Ford.
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2. Tony's two Corsairs in the 1960s.
Thanks to Tony, who scanned in some old slides showing a pair of Corsairs that he once owned. First up, BOO 424B, a 1964 Corsair.
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And next, two photos of a gold 1965 example, sporting extra wing mirrors, a single spotlamp under the bumper, whitewalls, and a chrome exhaust deflector at the rear. Thanks for sending these over!
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The Corsair was born as a replacement for the outgoing Consul Classic, a car that was expensive to produce and at the same time, hardly setting the world on fire when it came to sales volume. The replacement would have to position itself one rung up from the Cortina, and a modified Cortina platform provided a basis for the new Corsair, albeit lengthened slightly and in places, double-skinned. Two and four door versions would be offered. Whereas the Consul Classic had been heavily inspired by creations found on the other side of the Atlantic, the Corsair's styling would be a more sobre affair, designed to be less startling to the conservative British buyer, with just a hint of flair incorporated within the shape of the car's rakish front end. Initially, buyers could choose either the Consul Corsair 1500, or the Consul Corsair GT, a pokier version fitted with the Cortina GT's engine, and various bolt-on goodies such as bucket seats, remote gearshift and a tachometer.
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In 1965 the V4 version was introduced, in either 1.7 or 2.0 form. Although extra power was on offer, this engine was never the smoothest. Again a GT version was offered, and if you wanted a Corsair estate, outside coachbuilder Abbott's would be only too pleased to oblige. Another interesting variation on the Corsair theme was the convertible, by Crayford.
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Production of the Corsairs continued until 1970, by which time the 'coke bottle' Cortina Mk3 was destined to enter the market, taking over the markets previously populated by both the Corsair and the Mk2 Cortina, thanks to its epic choice of trim and engine options.
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Return to Old Vehicle Photos Page 7.
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