- Auctions
- The Classic Sale at Supercar Fest 2026
- 1974 Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E Auto - Ford-Built Experimental Vehicle (TRRL)
1974 Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E Auto - Ford-Built Experimental Vehicle (TRRL)
Lot Number: 757
1974 Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E Auto - Ford-Built Experimental Vehicle (TRRL)
Developed in conjunction with the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, this unusual Ford Cortina 2000E offers a rare insight into 1970s vehicle safety research.
- Buy it now for £9,200 - contact enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 16th May, 2026 at 5.00pm local time at Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN
-
BODY COLOUR
Diamond White -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
THK 657N -
ODOMETER READING
17164 Miles
SUMMARY
Developed in conjunction with the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, this unusual Ford Cortina 2000E offers a rare insight into 1970s vehicle safety research.
DESCRIPTION
- The Ford Cortina Mk3 2000E was the flagship, executive trim of the third-generation Cortina, produced between late 1973 and 1976. Introduced as a more luxurious replacement for the sporty GXL, the 'E' in its name stood for 'Executive', and it was designed to appeal to buyers looking for a more refined, premium driving experience
- It was powered by the 2.0-litre OHC 'Pinto' engine, producing roughly 98bhp enabling a top speed of 105mph and, in this case, fitted with an automatic gearbox
- Dating from 1974, this example was developed jointly by Ford and the Government’s Transport and Road Research Laboratory
- Presenting much like a standard example externally, aside from its Avon Safety Wheels, the interior is markedly different with extensive additional padding front and rear, a distinctive cabin treatment and an early digital dashboard unusual for the period
- Developed to demonstrate levels of passenger protection comparable to seatbelts through interior padding, it also features Avon Safety Wheels intended to help prevent tyre detachment in the event of sudden deflation
- Following its time as a TRRL demonstrator, it is understood to have been saved from destruction and stored for around 30 years, later refurbished including a respray after 2011, and acquired by our vendor in 2025 when an engine overhaul was completed with minimal use since
- The car does run and drive, although the odometer displays 17,164 miles which has remained unchanged for many years due to an intermittent fault with the electronic dashboard, however, a separate speedometer is attached by Velcro and powered via the cigarette lighter. There is a small oil leak from the automatic transmission (spare seals in the boot)
- With six former registered keepers, last MOT valid until May 2023 and now exempt as an historic vehicle, the car is accompanied by a history file including invoices, MOT Certificates and a vehicle data sheet. It is likely to require recommissioning so trailering from the sale is recommended
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 757
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- CORTINA 2000E AUTO
- Registration Number
- THK 657N
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- BZBFNZ21045
- Engine Number
- NZ21045
- Transmission
- Auto
- Body Colour
- Diamond White
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Richard Greenhalgh
- Car Specialist
- 07948 152921
- richard@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Richard.
Email RichardTelephone Richard
SEE IT IN ACTION
SEE IT IN ACTION
SCORE:
81 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Remarks
Full respray in 2011. One off set of safety wheels.
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Remarks
Very unique interior, One of a kind. Due to padding, drivers side door seal comes away. Interior fitted in 1974, needs tlc. One off roof lining.
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Remarks
Overhaul completed 2025 only done approximately 40 miles since the overhaul (Coventry to NEC Birmingham and back). Unleaded.
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Remarks
Seals need changing, they come with the car.
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Remarks
New calipers.
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Remarks
Intermittent fault with speedometer, separate dash speedometer added using cigarette lighter and vecro onto the dash. Mileage has been the same for many years due to the fault with the dash.
Vehicle History
Remarks
One of one, safety vehicle, Comes with safety certificates. Invoices/ receipts from 2011-2016. MOT certificates from 2016 - 2023.
Restoration Notes
Respray, engine overhaul, new vinyl roof
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Vehicles must be collected from Sywell Aerodrome, NN6 0BN on Monday 18th May between 9am and 2pm. Please note that due to venue restrictions we need to be clear of the site by 2pm on Monday 18th May. Full payment must be received before any items are available to be released.
Any vehicles not collected by 2pm on Monday 18th May will be taken to EM Rogers storage facility in Northampton at a cost of £195 plus VAT for a standard sized vehicle and £275 plus VAT for larger vehicles. Storage will be charged at £12 plus VAT per day from the Monday for the first 14 days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
Our transport partner EM Rogers can assist with collection and delivery. Please contact them on +44 (0) 1604 755511 or trafficdesk@emrogers.co.uk for a quote.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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