By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
A new survey by Carwow reveals that the Ford Cortina is the classic car most UK drivers want to see revived.
The online car sellers research found that of 1486 UK drivers surveyed 35% chose the Cortina for a reboot.
The MGB came second at 25%, followed by 18% of drivers asked who wanted to see the Ford Fiesta back.
It comes as a string of old names have returned as EV models, such as the Ford Capri, Renault’s 4 and 5 and the Fiat 500.
Plans have also been revealed to revive the iconic Citroen 2CV in electric form.
The Ford Cortina was in production for 20 years and was the UK’s best selling car for nine out of ten years between 1972 and 1981.
The survey also asked which decade deserved a reboot and the 1970s came out top with 25% of responders, with the 1960s only slightly behind (at 24%).
Ian Reid from Carwow said: “Our research shows that drivers want the character of the original model with the functional technology that means it’s relevant to how we drive today, which is why EV revivals are becoming increasingly common.”
For more on the Carwow survey click www.carwow.co.uk/news/11411/car-revival-wishlist-carwow-survey
That’s exactly the frustration for so many classic Ford enthusiasts! The Capri and Mustang names carry decades of history, character and motoring heritage, and simply putting a familiar badge on a completely different type of vehicle doesn’t necessarily bring back what made the originals special.The original Capri was an affordable, stylish coupé with sporty handling and engines that gave it real character. The Cortina was a proper British family car, with a huge following and a motorsport legacy of its own.If Ford revives the Cortina, it needs to bring back the spirit of the original, not just the name. A proper petrol engine, engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, distinctive styling and a price that ordinary enthusiasts could aspire to would be a much better tribute to its heritage.Electric cars have their place, but there’s something special about the sound of an engine, the feel of a gearbox and the connection between driver and machine. The Cortina needs a soul, not a battery. I’d love to know one thing, though: if Ford brought back the Cortina tomorrow, would you want it to be a modernised version of the classic Mk3, or something inspired by the legendary Mk1 and Lotus Cortina?
I don’t disagree. Any new car using heritage names need to have some DNA from the original. As for design, I think to have any chance of success it would need to be an evolution of the original rather than a facsimile.
Fiesta on its way. Due January 2028. It will be a rebodied Renault 5 EV. Possibly the base for Fords new WRC rally car in 2028, which is when ‘alternative powertrains’ are permitted. The rally car, thus, is likely also to be an EV.
The Fiesta is on its way back, with a new model due in January 2028. It will be a rebodied Renault 5 EV. 2029 is the year Ford will be back in the WRC with a new model and this Fiesta is likely to be it. ‘Alternative powertrains’ will be permitted from 2029 so it is likley the rally car will also be an EV.