Charles Thompson designed the Ford Corsair, using a lengthened Ford Cortina MkI floorpan, with the running gear, doors and engines from the Cortina 1500. Looking like a smaller angilicised version of the contemporary Ford Thunderbird the Corsair was launched at the London Motor Show in 1963 with the name 'Ford Consul Corsair'. The Consul Corsair had either a 1498cc 4-cylinder engine, or a tuned GT version of the same engine, both as fitted to the Cortina 1500. In 1965 the 'Consul' title was dropped for the relaunch of the Corsair V4 with a 1663cc V4 engine from the Transit van. This uninspiring engine was supplemented by an optional 1996cc version of the V4. Most Corsairs were 4-door saloons, but a 2-door was available for export, and Abbotts of Farnham did Estate conversions whilst Crayfords offered a 2-door convertible. In 1967 the Corsair 2000E was launched in the spirit of the Cortina 1600E, with tuned engine, trimmed body and lots of equipment. In 1970 the Ford Cortina Mk3 was launched and the 2000 models to0ok over the Corsair place in the market.
Ford Consul Corsair 1964 4-door - badge on bonnet
Ford Consul Corsair 1964 4-door - badge on bootlid
Ford Corsair1965 1500 GT 2-door - badge on bootlid
Ford Corsair 1966 GT Abbott Estate - badge on bootlid
Ford Corsair V4 1965 Abbott Estate - badge on bonnet
Ford Corsair 2000E - boot badge
Ford Corsair 1970 2000 Abbott Estate - badge on bootlid
Ford Consul Corsair 1964 4-door. The Corsair was a larger car fitted with 1,498cc ohv engine from the Ford Cortina
Ford Corsair 1966 V4 Abbott Estate
Ford Corsair 1967 2000E. The Corsair 2000E was powered by a V4 1,996cc engine used in the Ford Transit Van, but in this application given a double-choke Weber to produce 97bhp.
Forc Corsair 1965 1500 GT 2-door. The Corsair 1500 GT shared the Cortina GT 1,498cc 84bhp engine.
Ford Consul Corsair 1500 GT
Ford Consul Corsair 1964 4-door. Using the windscreen and doors of the Ford Consul Cortina the Corsair was a larger car fitted with 1,498cc ohv engine until replaced by the V4-engined Corsairs. This model has a column change and a bench seat
Ford Consul Corsair 1964 4-door. This model has a column change and a bench seat
Ford Corsair 1965 V4 Abbott Estate. Abbotts of Farnham converted Ford Corsairs into a 5-door estate using some parts from the Ford Cortina Estate
Ford Corsair 1965 V4 Abbott Estate. Using rear doors and rear side window plus the tailgate (modified) Abbotts of Farnham created the Corsair estate
Ford Corsair 1967 2000E. The 2000E gave Ford an entry into the Executive Car Club, and their recipe was all the performance of a GT car with all the equipment of a luxury car.
Ford Corsair 1970 2000 Abbott Estate
Ford Corsair 1970 V4 2000. The 1,996cc V4 became available from 1966 as the 1,663cc V4 from 1965 had proved rather dull.
Ford Corsair 2000E.
Ford Corsair V4
Ford Corsair V4 GT. In 1965 the Corsair range were given V4 engines, and the GT got 1996cc 88bhp units. V4 GT cars were sold as 4-door saloons from 1965-67 with a 5-door Estate being available from 1966.
Ford Cortina 1966 deluxe estate
Ford Corsair 1965 V4 Abbott Estate. Abbotts of Farnham converted Ford Corsairs into a 5-door estate using some parts from the Ford Cortina Estate
Ford Corsair 1967 2000E. The Corsair 2000E was fully equipped, usually offered in metallic shades with a vinyl roof and special hubcaps.
Ford Corsair 1970 V4 2000. Most Corsairs were sold in Britain as 4-door saloons, the 2-door sold poorly except in export markets.
Ford Corsair 1966 V4 Abbott Estate
Ford Corsair 1967 2000E - wheel. Ford gave its executive saloon these fancy hubcaps for the 2000E
