The Cortina modelled was first registered on October 6th 1976 and still carries the Ford Special Vehicle Operations plate on its slam-panel announcing that it was a special order; black paint with a cloud grey interior. This is such a rare colour combination that the current owner believes it may have been unique. The first owner was an Essex-based printing company but, after being traded in, it was purchased from Tony Levoi Motors, Southend, Essex, when three years old by Warner Frederick J. Harvey, a local man.He used it until 1990, by which time it had only covered 59,000 miles, but after that date kept it stored in a dry garage until 2015.
Mr Harvey lightly customised it by fitting gold stickers showing his initials and crest above the door and boot locks, plus the words Special Edition on the rear wings and Black Lady on the front wings.Current owner Dorset-based Bruce McDermott, a long-standing Ford enthusiast, purchased it in 2017 because he was impressed by its excellent original condition; the rare interior was perfect and the car even still had its optional Carrello front spot lights. He then restored the car's faded paint, taking it down to bare metal before respraying it, and was surprised and pleased to find it, unusually, needed no welding. The 2000E (E for Executive), was the most expensive and luxurious Mk3 Cortina and is thus highly prized by collectors today.
Engine: 1993cc 4IL SOHC Power: 98bhp@5200rpm Torque: 122lb.ft@3500rpm Maximum speed: 106mph 0-60 mph: 10.2 secs Weight: 2347LBs