Ford Cortinas were once ubiquitous in New Zealand, serving as family cars and hotted-up racers seen across the country since arriving on our local shores in 1962.
About 100 of the cultural and social icons, from Whangārei to Invercargill, will roar into Nelson Tasman this Labour Weekend for a biennial national gathering hosted by the Classic Cortina Car Club.
Among them will be Richmond panel beater Mark Fry, the proud owner of a Ford Cortina Mark II GTE since 1986, who has carried out 90 per cent of the car's restoration work himself.
“It’s the car I love, my kids [Daniel and Lisa] had their first ride in this car when they came out of hospital, so it's got a lot of sentimental value, plus learning to paint and panel, and done all the work on it over the years,” he says.
“I’ve been looking forward to [Cortina Nationals] for the last couple of years, to put the car on display will be good, and you’re never too old to learn a new trick or learn something about the car.”
As well as different Cortina variants, the event is open to all small classic Fords, including Escorts, Anglias and Capris. Classic Cortina Car Club membership is not required, with organisers encouraging all classic Ford owners and enthusiasts to sign up.
A Show and Shine event at Saxton Stadium, open for public viewing, runs from 9am to midday on Saturday, 24 October.
Registered participants and their vehicles will also take part in scenic convoy drives through the region and social gatherings at local venues throughout the weekend.
Rob Brown, one of the local organisers alongside Neil Soundy, says that while registration numbers are lower because of fuel costs, Nelson Tasman's roads and scenery should make things jaunty, and boost Classic Cortina Car Club’s membership.
“[Cortinas have] become iconic and have acquired a great following over many years… everyone has a story to relate about a Cortina that was in their family that their parents owned, or their grandparents owned, many years ago,” he says.
“I'm organising the car runs each day on the Saturday and Sunday through the back blocks of Tasman, and I'm pretty sure they'll find the scenery we’ve got here a real eye opener, and an enjoyable drive at the same time.
“We want all participants to leave impressed with the region and with smiles on their faces.”
