Gail's Ford Cortina Page - www.Cortina80.co.uk

Savage

The development of the V6 Savage Cortina was undertaken by Jeff Uren. The MK4 Savage was based on either 2.0 or 2.3 variants of the Cortina MK4. Whatever model you had the conversion cost was £1760. The conversion consisted of stiffer springs to lower the chassis by a inch, then gas filled dampers were added and bigger brake pads and different rear brake linings. Finally the Essex 3.0 engine was used in standard form of 138 BHP. A tuned 170 BHP was available for an extra £350. Alternatively a 190 BHP version was available for an extra £420. Surprisingly the original standard gearbox remained. To accommodate the v6 a strengthened cross-member was used and a single propshaft replaced the original 2 piece one. Because of the different variants used axle ratios varied from 3.44 to 3.09. Tyres fitted were 185/70hr/13. Other options were a twin pipe system at £215. Leather trim and electric windows were also available. The 170 BHP version took 7.9 seconds 0-60 compared to the 3.0 Capri (in 1979) which was capable of 0-60 in 8.6 seconds .

In 1979 you ordered a mk4 savage based on a mk4 2.3S the car cost £5269 new. If you wanted the 190 BHP conversion with twin pipe system the total price would be £7664. Another option was Minilite wheels with 205/60vr/14 tyres. All Savage MK4,s were badged as 3.0S

Superspeed

Superspeed also made v6 conversions of the MK4. There are 2 known survivors a brown estate (SLW 717R - see below) and a blue saloon (CKX 830T). Both cars are badged as 3.0 Ghia. The purchase price for the estate was £4000 pound with the conversion a further £1295 which included a custom electric roof which was not available through Ford. Superspeed was a company formed by 2 brothers (Mike and John Young) who used to race Anglia's with modified Cortina engines. They carried out conversions on Anglia's, MK2 Cortina, MK3 Cortina, MK4 Cortina and also Escorts. Very few models were produced. Ford's introduction of the 2.3 v6 Ghia at a much more sensible price was the demise of MK4 conversions.

The 3.0 Essex was sat upon Superspeed modified mounts but using the original cross-member the engine was then installed further back to keep original weight distribution. The suspension was uprated and the springs changed for extra firmness. The gearbox was the standard Ford automatic or manual. The radiator used was the bigger Capri/Granada v6 model. Further options included a larger cam and gas flowed heads as well as a limited slip differential. The only give away was a discreet Superspeed sticker below the 3.0 Ghia badge and a v6 sticker. Superspeed Cortinas were built originally as 2.0 Ghia mk4 model.