SYMBOL OF SUCCESS – FORD CORTINA GHIA ESTATE

Imagine the impact of taking delivery of a Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia Mk. V Estate in 1979. The sable over chocolate brown Durham cloth and crushed velour upholstery would induce envy in virtually all your business colleagues. Meanwhile, the alloy wheels would cause patrons of the Little Chef on the A32 to drop their Jubilee pancakes in awe.

Ford introduced the Mk. V, aka the Cortina 80, on 24 August 1979. The reality was a very well-planned facelift of the Mk. IV, with a deeper front valance, a new grille, a larger glass area, and a higher roofline. The Cortina remained the UK's best-selling car until 1981, and it was the second-best in 1982 when Ford unveiled its Sierra replacement. The Mk. V's launch sales copy promised: "a car that's built for reliability", which was music to the ears of the average fleet buyer.

Ever mindful of their company car market, Ford produced a range of trim levels that denoted an employee's climbing the corporate ladder. The line-up commenced with the Standard, with its ‘vinyl trimmed reclining bucket seats’ and a glove box without a lock. Promotion might earn you the L with ‘Savannah’ cloth upholstery, a cigar lighter for that post-sales deal Rothman and a push-button radio to listen to Jimmy Young's recipe of the day on BBC Radio 2.

Managerial status gave you the keys to a Cortina GL with a centre console, front head restraints, a clock and even a remote-controlled driver's door mirror. Finally came the great day when you were appointed Senior Manager. The tinted glass, radio cassette player, wood veneer door cappings and alloy wheels of your Cortina Ghia Estate meant that all subordinates would (hopefully) appreciate your status. You were, after all, the sort of person who merited a company car priced at £6,434.72.

Unlike the Mk. IV, there was no separate 'S' version, but the keen L, GL or Ghia buyer could specify the optional "S pack" with modified suspension, driving lamps and a very styling gear lever knob. This further enhanced the range, while your friendly local Ford dealer could point out that the Ghia Estate had no direct UK-built equivalent.

By 1979, the Cortina's strongest rival was the Cavalier. While the 2000GLS was a worthy Ghia saloon alternative, Vauxhall never offered an estate version. Not did the Morris Marina 1.7L possess the Ghia's air of middle-management opulence. By 1980, a Talbot showroom might display the fully equipped Alpine SX, but that was a) FWD and b) a hatchback, two forms of motoring life distrusted by many Cortina owners.

When the often-acerbic Car tested the 2.0 Ghia saloon, they thought the Cortina "has gone as far as it ever will go", although "it does nothing particularly badly, and some things rather well". The latter summarises the formula for the Cortina's success. Autocar thought the Mk.V "subtly but usefully changed and refined".

Iconic Auctioneers is selling this Cortina Estate fitted with optional power-assisted steering. To see that discreet badge on the tailgate is to be reminded of a time when the Ghia logo noted a motorist of standing in the community. Anyone who drove such a car almost certainly had an avocado bathroom suite - and the latest in hostess trolleys.

With thanks to Iconic Auctioneers for their time and for the permission to use the images in this blog.