The rare Cortina V6 automatic that this 1:43 die-cast model represents was built in Dagenham in late 1977 and was first registered on the 13th of January 1978 by Jersey-based Ford dealers La Motte.

The first owner, Adolphus John Urvoy of St Helier, specified the wonderfully vibrant colour, optional light alloy road wheels, sunroof wind deflector, automatic transmission, Carello spotlights, and overrider-mounted headlamp washers. He covered only 37,000 miles before selling it to Alain Pinglaux on 21st April 1987.

Alain was an enthusiast who used the car for longer trips into Europe in the summer. But, because of Jersey’s warm climate, salt-free roads, and his diligence, the car remained in good condition, structurally, mechanically, and cosmetically.

Alain had the brakes rebuilt before offering it for sale in July 2022, at which point it had covered only 55,000 miles.

It was purchased by Dorset-based Ford collector and enthusiast Bruce Di Mario, who couldn’t resist buying the car unseen, because of its fantastic colour combination and high specification. Alain delivered it to Portsmouth, so Bruce was able to drive it home and arrived very pleased with his new purchase.

Since then, he has had the radiator re-cored, fitted a new twin-pipe exhaust system which was partially sourced in Germany, and new tyres. He has used the Cortina in his wedding car hire business, for which its dramatic hue and luxurious, tan-coloured Verona and Crushed Velour fabric trim, make it well suited.

We’ve only made 1,200 of these limited-edition die-cast Ford Cortina Mk4 Vanguards models. Secure yours today!