Our model represents the last in the Ford of Great Britain Cortina series in real life, which dominated the British road scene from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Ford launched the Mk 5 - an upgraded Mk IV - in August 1979. Marketed as a medium sized family car with prices starting at £3,475, the visible differences included revised headlights incorporating larger indicators, a slatted front grille, a flattened roof, slimmer C-pillars and revised vent cover.  The interior also benefited from detailed changes, including the dashboard and centre console.

Improvements were also made to the engine range resulting in better fuel economy and power output. The 2.3-litre V6 engine was given electronic ignition and a slight boost in power output to 116 bhp, compared with the 108 bhp Mark IV. Ford also added improved corrosion protection on Mark V models, which is probably why more have survived.

Our 1:76 scale vehicle tooling incorporates the upgraded external features of the real car and is registered FOL 414V from 1979. It is decorated in bright blue with black roof, pillars and window surrounds.  The black finish also extends to the side sills and radiator grille.  The interior is moulded in a rich brown with black trim while a final exterior detail sees the 1.6 GL  printed in silver on the boot lid. Grand Luxury indeed.