The fourth-generation Cortina was a more conventional design than its predecessor, and this was largely appreciated by fleet buyers.

Generally, it was a rebody of the Mk.

III with little mechanical change as an integration of Ford's model range, and as a result, the Cortina and Taunus now differed only in badging.

Although the updated Taunus was introduced to Continental Europe in January, 1976, Ford were able to continue selling the Cortina Mk.

III in undiminished numbers in Great Britain until they were ready to launch its successor as the Dagenham-built Cortina Mk.

IV, which went on sale on September 29th, 1976.

Many parts were carried over, most notably the running gear.

The raised driving position and the new instrument panel had, along with some of the suspension upgrades, already been introduced to the Cortina Mk.

III in 1973, so that from the driving position, the new car looked much more familiar to owners of recent existing Cortinas than from the outside.

A truly ext...