Very Late G.T. undergoing restoration

This is Chris Seymour's very late (1966) registered in 1967, 4-door G.T. Cortina being renovated at a secret location in South Wales. The car has a number of mystery items, and we are hoping that readers can shed some light on them.

Firstly, the letters " GT " have been written on the panel underneath the plenum chamber in the engine bay. Who put them on? Why? This does not seem to have been normal practice on other cars. Can anyone offer an explanation?

Secondly, the car is fitted with self adjusting rear brakes, which look identical to those fitted to MK2 Cortinas. Why? Was this common on very late cars? 

Update: Yes, this was correct for late G.T. cars.

The car is very low mileage (believed genuine) and was generally in very good condition. However, being stored under a dust sheet which got wet has led to a large number of rust "spots" spoiling the paintwork and practically forcing the car to be re-sprayed. You can see some of the spots on the bonnet in the following photo.

A general view of Chris's car. The main shell is in very good condition, with just a few bits of the floor requiring a repair. New wings are being fitted.

At the front of the chassis leg, a repair patch is being made. As Chris intends to rally the car a number of re-inforcement plates have been added, as shown here. The two vertical strips have been added to strengthen the area.

Probably the worst part of the shell. The driver's side rear corner. Eaten away by rust, but a repair panel is ready and waiting to be put in place.

On the middle of the bulkhead panel, below the plenum chamber drain the letters " GT " have been written in red paint or marker. Who put them there? Why? Was this one of the last-ever MK1 GTs to be built?

The driver's side MacPherson strut tower top has been repaired by a previous owner.

One of the doors has had a new bottom grafted on by Rick Burville. Other doors await the same expert treatment. You can't hardly see the join...

Chris is hoping to run the car in some rallies when it is complete, however pressure of work and other factors mean that he can only snatch a few hours to work on the car each week. And I wouldn't be working in a barn with a HUGE hornet's nest in the eaves above my head...!

        Page created:- July 10, 2005

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