Which Ford model ran from 1963 to 1970?

Ford’s mid-size model produced between 1963 and 1970 was the Ford Corsair—launched as the Ford Consul Corsair in 1963 and renamed simply the Ford Corsair from 1965. Positioned between the smaller Cortina and the larger Zephyr/Zodiac, it featured distinctive, sharp-nosed styling and evolved through several engine and trim upgrades before being replaced in 1970.

Overview and market role

Introduced for buyers wanting more space and refinement than a Cortina without stepping up to Ford’s executive cars, the Corsair was Ford of Britain’s family saloon of the mid-to-late 1960s. It combined the brand’s mass-market pragmatism with a bolder design language and a rolling progression of powertrain updates that culminated in the well-appointed 2000E flagship.

Model timeline: key milestones from launch to retirement

The following timeline highlights the Corsair’s development from its debut through to the end of production, capturing name changes, engine updates, and notable variants.

1. 1963: Debut as the Ford Consul Corsair with a 1.5-litre inline-four (Kent) engine and sharp “arrow” front styling.
2. 1965: Renamed Ford Corsair; major mechanical update introduces the Essex V4 engines, notably the 1.7-litre unit.
3. Mid-1960s: Estate conversion offered in limited numbers by coachbuilder Abbott of Farnham, expanding practicality.
4. 1967: 2.0-litre Essex V4 added; upmarket 2000E variant launched with luxury trim and distinctive detailing.
5. 1970: Production ends; model line effectively succeeded in Ford’s UK range by the Cortina Mk III.

Taken together, these milestones show the Corsair’s evolution from a Cortina-related saloon into a more mature, better-equipped model, before Ford consolidated its UK lineup around the Cortina in 1970.

Powertrains and driving character

Across its life, the Corsair offered a mix of engines aimed at balancing everyday usability with improved performance in later years.

• 1.5-litre inline-four (Kent, 1498 cc): Launch engine (1963–1965), shared with contemporary Ford models; known for simplicity and reliability.
• 1.7-litre Essex V4 (1663 cc): Introduced in 1965, bringing more torque; early examples could feel coarse, but refinements improved smoothness.
• 2.0-litre Essex V4 (1996 cc): Added for 1967, providing stronger performance, particularly in higher-spec trims like the 2000E.

Most Corsairs used a 4-speed manual gearbox (with overdrive on some versions), while a 3-speed automatic was available on selected models—reflecting the move toward greater comfort and convenience in the late 1960s.

Body styles and notable variants

Beyond the core four-door saloon, the Corsair line included sportier and more luxurious trims, plus a limited-run estate conversion to widen its appeal.

• Four-door saloon: The mainstay of Corsair sales, recognized for its sharp, elongated nose and clean mid-size proportions.
• Estate (coachbuilt): A practical wagon conversion by Abbott of Farnham, produced in limited numbers for customers needing extra load space.
• GT trims: Sportier specifications, typically with uprated engines and chassis tweaks for a more engaging drive.
• 2000E (from 1967): The luxury flagship with the 2.0-litre V4, richer interior trim, and distinctive exterior detailing.

These variants allowed the Corsair to serve a wide cross-section of buyers—from families and fleet users to drivers who wanted either more performance or executive-level appointments.

Styling and features

The Corsair’s design stood out in Ford’s 1960s range: its pointed, “arrow” front end and clean side surfacing gave it a more dramatic look than the Cortina, hinting at American influence without abandoning British market sensibilities. Inside, Ford prioritized straightforward controls and visibility, with higher trims adding wood-effect finishes, improved instrumentation, and better sound insulation over time.

Production and assembly

The Corsair was built primarily at Ford’s Dagenham plant in the United Kingdom. In keeping with Ford’s global practices of the period, some cars were also assembled from kits in selected overseas markets. Throughout its run, the model benefitted from Ford’s extensive parts commonality, easing maintenance and keeping costs in check for owners.

Legacy and replacement

By 1970, Ford rationalized its UK mid-size lineup, and the Corsair bowed out as the Cortina Mk III took over the segment. Today, the Corsair is remembered for its distinctive styling, its role as a bridge between mainstream and executive Ford offerings, and its emblematic 2000E variant that showcased late-1960s British-market luxury in a family saloon.

Summary

The Ford model built from 1963 to 1970 was the Corsair—introduced as the Ford Consul Corsair and later known simply as the Ford Corsair. A mid-size saloon with bold styling, it evolved from a 1.5-litre Kent engine to Essex V4 power, added luxury and sport variants (including the 2000E), briefly offered a coachbuilt estate, and ultimately ceded its place to the Cortina Mk III in 1970.

What were the Ford models in 1960?

In 1960, Ford offered various models including the compact Falcon and its coupe utility version, the Falcon Ranchero; the full-size cars were the Fairlane and the premium Galaxie; the distinctive Thunderbird continued as a personal luxury car; and in the truck line, the F-Series included the F-100 and F-250 pickups.
 
Compact Cars

• Ford Falcon: Opens in new tabFord’s popular compact offering, known for its fuel efficiency and affordability. 
• Ford Falcon Ranchero: Opens in new tabA coupe utility version of the Falcon, combining the practicality of a pickup with the style of a car. 

Full-Size Cars

• Ford Fairlane: A mid-sized sedan in the base trim, offering a balance of style and affordability for families. 
• Ford Fairlane 500: An intermediate trim level with upgraded interiors and more exterior chrome, based on the Fairlane series. 
• Ford Galaxie: A full-size luxury car known for its spaciousness and powerful V8 engines, a popular choice for performance and prestige. 
• Ford Starliner: The sporty, hardtop version of the Galaxie. 
• Ford Sunliner: The convertible version of the Galaxie. 

Personal Luxury Cars 

• Ford Thunderbird: An iconic personal luxury car with a sleek design, considered a “dream car” by many.

Commercial Vehicles & Trucks

• Ford F-100: A light-duty pickup truck, a significant model in Ford’s truck lineup. 
• Ford F-250: A heavy-duty pickup truck. 

What models did Ford make in 1963?

Select a 1963 Ford Model

• 1963 300.
• 1963 CORTINA MARK I.
• 1963 Country Sedan.
• 1963 Country Squire.
• 1963 E100.
• 1963 F100.
• 1963 F250.
• 1963 F350.

What Ford car was made between 1963 and 1970?

Ford Consul Corsair (1963–1965), Ford Corsair V4 (1965–1970) – Britain. The Ford Consul Corsair (later known simply as the Ford Corsair), manufactured by Ford UK, is a midsized car that was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1963 and available as either a saloon or estate from 1964 until 1970.

What model cars did Ford make in 1966?

In 1966, Ford offered popular models such as the Mustang, Fairlane, Falcon, Galaxie, Thunderbird, and the new Bronco. Their commercial vehicle lineup included the F-Series trucks (F-100, F-250, F-350) and the Econoline series. Other notable models were the Ranchero (a car-based pickup) and high-performance variants like the GT40 and Shelby Mustang.
 
Here is a breakdown of key 1966 Ford models:
Cars

• Ford Mustang: A popular model, offered in hardtop, fastback, and convertible styles. 
• Ford Fairlane: Available in various trims, including the Fairlane 500 and the high-performance Fairlane GT. 
• Ford Falcon: Ford’s compact car, which could be optioned as a sportier Falcon Futura or a Ranchero. 
• Ford Galaxie: Ford’s full-size car, with a range including the Galaxie 500 and luxury LTD models. 
• Ford Thunderbird: The brand’s flagship personal luxury car. 
• Ford Bronco: The all-new SUV model offered in three body styles: Roadster, Sports Utility, and Wagon. 
• Ford Cortina: A compact car produced by Ford in the UK and available in some markets. 

Trucks

• Ford F-Series: The F-100, F-250, and F-350 pickup trucks were available. 
• Ford Ranchero: A unique vehicle that combined a car platform with a pickup bed. 
• Ford Econoline: Available as a pickup truck or a passenger van known as the Econoline Club Wagon. 

Specialty/Performance Models

• Ford GT40: A high-performance sports car built for racing, offered in different Mark versions. 
• Shelby Mustang: Performance versions of the Mustang, including the Shelby GT350. 
• Ford LTD: A luxury version of the full-size Galaxie line.