Ford Cortina Mk4
The plush, wood-trimmed flagship of Britain's best-selling car range.
- Power
- 98 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.0 s
- Top speed
- 103 mph
- Est. value
- $4k–$13k
About the Ford Cortina Mk4
The Mk4 Ford Cortina marked a transition from the curvy 'Coke-bottle' styling of the Mk3 to a crisp, rectilinear design shared with the German Ford Taunus. The Ghia trim was introduced as the new range-topper, replacing the 2000E and bringing executive luxuries like a vinyl roof, wood-veneer door cappings, and deep-pile velour upholstery to the mass market. Powered by the dependable 'Pinto' overhead-cam engine, it offered a balance of respectable performance and easy maintenance. While once ubiquitous on British roads, the Mk4 is now one of the rarest Cortina generations due to poor rust protection and its popularity in banger racing.
Ford Cortina Mk4 specs
The Ford Cortina Mk4 produces 98 bhp (73 kW) and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 11.0 seconds and has a top speed of 103 mph (166 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Cortina |
| Generation | Mk4 |
| Trim | 2.0 Ghia |
| Years | 1976–1979 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 2.0-litre SOHC inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,993 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 98 bhp (73 kW) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 11.0 s |
| Top speed | 103 mph (166 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,055 kg (2,326 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 93 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Cortina Mk4 worth?
A typical Ford Cortina Mk4 is estimated to be worth $4,000 – $13,000 (about £3,000 – £9,700).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Cortina Mk4 rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Cortina Mk4 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 22 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Cortina Mk4 fun facts
- The Mk4 Cortina was the first to use the 'Ghia' badge, following Ford's acquisition of the Italian design house Carrozzeria Ghia.
- Despite being a completely new body, the Mk4 retained the floorpan and much of the mechanical underpinnings of the preceding Mk3.
- In 1979, the Cortina range set a British record for the most registrations in a single year, with over 190,000 cars sold.
