Introduced in autumn, 1966, the Ford Cortina Mk.

II was styled in-house by Roy Haynes.

Employing much the same floorpan as its predecessor complete with independent front suspension, a live rear axle and front disc and rear drum brakes, it nevertheless benefitted from a wider track and revised steering geometry.

Second only to the Mk.

II Cortina-Lotus, the Mk.

II Cortina GT was initially powered by a pre-Crossflow 1498cc OHV four-cylinder engine allied with a four-speed manual transmission (complete with new diaphragm clutch and three-rail remote gearchange).

With some 78bhp and 97lb ft of torque on tap, the model had a suitably sporty feel.

Further boasting an enlarged fuel tank, optional radial tyres and dashtop-mounted auxiliary instrument binnacle, it was supplanted by the more powerful 1600cc Crossflow version in August, 1967.

Four years ago, this 1600 GT was in a sorry state.

The vendor found it on eBay, where it was being offered from Northern Ireland as a total restora...