Matchbox Ford Cortina MK2 Restoration Lesney

[@firehawkordy]

Loved the real life Cortina, in 1968-69 Ford imported them into the US for a short while. My mother bought a white Cortina Station Wagon and we loved it. It was small but still had a lot of room for my sisters and me. I remember us making a bed for us when we'd travel from our house to Long Beach Ca in order to meet our father when his ship would return home from Vietnam. Too bad these are the only Cortinas that can be found in the US. Love watching you and others restoring these cars, I've learned so much that at some point I plan on doing the same. In fact, my plan is to get two of each, one to restore and one to customize. I always wanted my Matchbox cars to look a certain way but was never able to figure out how to get the things apart to even start working on them. Thanks to you and the others I now know how to do that and other things.

[@retrorestore]

Nice one, Yes good memories. Give it a go, its fiddly but rewarding.

[@barbarawiddowson635]

This was the first car I "drove" as an 8 or 9 year old after pestering my dad to teach me. My dad worked the gears and pedals but I steered (not on a public road I hasten to add). Thank you for bringing back those memories Martin and a great restoration!

[@retrorestore]

I did the same on my dad's lap as well in a Mk1 Cortina lol

[@jaggass]

@@retrorestore Got fond memories of being on my dad's lap when he was driving in his mk2 Orion.

[@danielmuldoon1120]

Bloody good restoration! I found this video while seeking to learn how to restore my own MBX Ford Cortina - identical version. I've had mine for as long as I remember - about 50 years. At some point when I was a kid I decided to make it dark blue, using a marking pen! That gave a surprisingly even color and sheen, but I've wanted to strip and repaint it back to near-original. I have other models that I may repaint as well. I imagine that over there the Cortina series has given many people lots of fun memories. I saw several during childhood visits to Canada - where my parents came from - fewer were stateside. I like the MkII; it's one of my favorite Fords.

[@999thenewman]

Thank you for sharing. It looks like you take joy in noting improvements to your work each time you make a repair.

[@retrorestore]

Its very fiddly though lol

[@999thenewman]

@@retrorestore Very fiddly? Story of the restore universe. :)

[@jamesgibson5606]

I seem to remember the steering on these models was activated by a gentle press to the front wings left for left and right for right. Great days and I had that particular model. Fantastic video by the way.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Jim

[@erivej]

I had one of these as a kid in the 70s. I think Matchbox taught a lot of American kids about European cars in the day.

[@1pjodan]

Looks good martin, that was the first car i can remember my dad owning, thanks

[@easyontheeyes78]

Very dapper little wee car

[@DaveJudd]

Saw a Cortina mk 3 GXL at the traffic light the other day, man it looked so good next to this modern stuff.

[@retrorestore]

Cars with soul.

[@railtrolley]

Saw one today. It's called a TC series Cortina here in Australia, and it was a station wagon (estate), in bright orange. The right colour for the 1970's.

[@ketoking9435]

Kids at my college had Cortina 1600e,,,,various MK1 Escorts,Mini's,,I went for a Cortina GXL,,,,only had it a few weeks,,, gorgeous car,,,well must crack on and watch this great vid,,have a crackin weekend,,,,

[@ClassicCarCave]

Martin, What a diffrence from the before and after! Top job a lot quicker to restore than the full size lol. Cheers Dave

[@retrorestore]

Haha, exactly Dave lol

[@kristianreader4812]

Now that was a nice job

[@turbolivesinmyheart6328]

Greetings from the Midwest in Iowa. You did a good job replacing those pillars. I actually kind of yelled out NO when you busted the other one off. But you can't really tell they've been replaced. I bet you got a good line on getting some of those cars since they were made in England. If I were to buy them I would have to go on eBay and buy them buy bulk just to make it worth the while.

[@NeuroDiv_Skunk8785]

Hey here's another greeting from Iowa!

[@seansullivan4709]

Nice job! I had a Cortina like that.

[@paulmckinder3082]

Nice job great result

[@ronin99999]

Lovely job mate

[@daftboy11]

Good job sir. You should do more of these.

[@retrorestore]

I will be, Keep tuned.

[@jmmvangoor]

Nice job, it looks good this little Ford

[@MatchboxGarage]

I need to go on the lookout for one of these. I have a great idea.

[@nigelstevens3627]

Glad to see you back

[@MatchboxGarage]

Thanks for showing us your method for repairing the A pillar. I need to do this myself on a Mercedes. Looks like we get our screws from the same place..

[@retrorestore]

Nice one, Just given you a sub as well.

[@paulelliott2861]

Class job Martin.👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@Litesnip2022]

Top job. Looks brilliant

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Nicely done!

[@retrorestore]

Cheers George

[@garryhills8648]

Nice job Martin !! Hope your feeling better !! 👍

[@retrorestore]

Getting there Gary. Cheers Martin

[@kevinboughter4031]

Great work

[@firstlight05]

my first car was a cortina mk2 it was like driving a bus with the steering wheel of a ship but great job martin and thanks for the memory

[@Nufleg]

I’ve not seen anyone superglue a rivet in place before (all drill and tap) but your method looks much more authentic. If you even want to do more work, just drill out as before and repeat. Nice one 👍

[@retrorestore]

That's right. I prefer this method as it looks more original David.

[@thomharte]

Just a thought your video is a little too bright - you might want to take it down a notch - other that that nice recovery on the broken post. Keep up the good work.

[@RJDCR]

kool , thanx.....good work , on those A pillars Robert

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

Roof pillow lol I had a giggle ps great video good to see you back online

[@retrorestore]

Haha, yes so fragile Shane lol

[@austinraftery4666]

rotating the shaft is always good

[@johnsalt19]

Hi there you can steer it with the wheels like they are you have to lean the car to the direction you want to turn

[@paulbennell3313]

I think you made the right choice regarding the colour because it looks like Ford Oyster gold which was a mk2 colour, although it was used mainly on the 1600E.

[@lj5030]

16:04 I did that to my Lamborghini marzal a few days ago. Also great job, it looks awesome.

[@stephenr6427]

Great job looks great

[@Mr_Dia-Tribe]

good job martin the gold paint is a bit off bronze would have been a better match but your working with what you have and its a good job i am a model maker and i will do a deal with you i will fix all your models if you fix my poor rusting MX5 hope you are enjoying this new hobby thumbs up me old mate you are a very clever hands on type of guy and you make a good job of whatever you do and give inspiration to us to also have a go ourselves to fix things

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Darren, its a fiddly hobby as i'm sure you'll agree but interesting though.

[@Mr_Dia-Tribe]

oh i do agree ive not done any restoration work like what you are doing i mostly build kits and add a few extra details myself based on my own research what you do is in keeping with retrorestore theme and that is what you do best bringing back unloved items and giving them a new lease of life and that is far more interesting than what i do

[@TisBestinDiecast66]

Great Job Martin. FYI Matchbox only did the lever steer on the 8e Mustang and then as you have on your Cortina GT they developed 'Auto steer ' where you press on the side of the car you want it to steer towards. I think your colour choice was a better match to the original fullsize cars and the resto is a credit to you as you get into the hobby more and more. Just on another note I have watched some of your other vids since discovering your channel and I love the way you put it to the so called Shed 'Experts'. Being a good all rounder in my book is priceless, like to see them fix a mower or spray a car Ha Ha !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@retrorestore]

Haha, nice one, yes I do have a go at most things and there are so many so called experts who make comments but only think there is 1 way to do things.

[@MatchboxGarage]

Lovely restoration mate. I just finished up on a MK5

[@therealnorthmedia]

Nice job martin as allways

[@retrorestore]

Cheers bud

[@revzillo]

I think that's a Cortina mk2 GT , you can just see the bags on the rear wings. Really nice restoration 👍

[@retrorestore]

Yes Jerry, I think you are right.

[@SCOTTISHPREPPERVARIETYCHANNEL]

fantastic job

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Chris, very fiddly though lol

[@georgebrown6540]

Nice jod Martin, hope you don't mind me mentioning, but to fix the pillars on the matchbox cars, I used the steel strip that holds in the rubber on a windscreen wiper, it pulls out easily. Just another option for you if you need it. Thanks for sharing.

[@MeBallerman]

Hmmm I have the exact same model Cortina MK2 - but in turquoise blue color. It is in fine shap - the lacquer has a few scratches, but else it is pristine and fine, no need for restoration - all four wheels turning like new - had this (and other) Matchbox cars for 45-50 years. It has right hand steering like yours (I'm continental, but the Cortina isn't lol) Numberplate is same as yours, wheels are with silver spokes, I don't know why your's has all black wheels. ALL of my small Matchbox collection cars are in close to pristine condition, except for scratches in the paintwork. Never had stuck wheels or anything. They all reside in a shoebox, wrapped individually in kitchen towel, and the shoebox itself is in a plasticback. Every now and then, I take them out of my drawer to look at them, and smile. The Cortina and a Lamborghini Miura (gold metallic, no scratches) are my two favorites

[@chriscarroll3204]

Looks amazing

[@TheGreen-team]

Great job Martin...if you're concerned about drilling to deep when removing the rivets, maybe think about regrinding the drill bit point to a shallower angle (flatter).

[@mousiekebabs]

I was looking forward to another one of these! Checked KZbin and here we go :)

[@retrorestore]

Haha nice one Mike

[@vdubs6068]

Great vid Martin 👍

[@retrorestore]

Cheers Jamie

[@markellis4229]

Looks similar to my Vauxhall viva from the side and back lol cool video Martin and you Sound a lot better to it’s good to see you on the mend

[@retrorestore]

Cheers Mark, yes, it does look like the Viva.

[@deanbenton1495]

Good video mate, i`ve been restoring matchbox cars for years, that cortina is`nt something i`d have bothered with due to the damage to it but fair play, you done a good job, Thanks L.C.F (Lesney Custom Factory)

[@Robs-me6mb]

Somebody’s been watching Marty lol. Good job with the A pillar repair

[@retrorestore]

I do watch his videos, I'm a subscriber too.

[@Robs-me6mb]

retrorestore me too great content and good results much like yours.

[@cabdriveruk]

Great video Martin. I used to have quite a few mk2 cortina's in my day lol. The colours i had were amber gold, lagoon blue and the 1600e model i had was purple metallic. Great cars back in the day. Great job on the resto Martin, you can just make out the GT badges on the back wings ! Cheers, Jeff.

[@ronmccullock1407]

You must have a lot of patience a fantastic result

[@retrorestore]

It is fiddly though Ron.

[@stebenit]

turned out very nice Martin loving the vids mate... atb Steve

[@jamesgibson5606]

I reckon that colour is bronze mine was.

[@johnkollar7103]

Great job as usual, try mixing the two colors of paint together to get the right match.

[@davidyoung6608]

Awesome restoration. She pretty. I have a Jeepney that needs to be restore. That be a awesome project for ya.

[@dodgydruid]

That X-31 looks very close to what Matchbox put onto their MK4 and MK5 Cortina's, kinda "old gold" that was popular with Fords of that era and they used the old gold on old Zep's and Zod's I seem to remember, the ones that looked like big MK2 Cortina's not the previous one with the lary fins as that one seemed to only come in white or dingy dirty black and rust hehe

[@dodgydruid]

I've put some of my recent acquisitions on my FB, pride of place is the Pickfords double bogeyed loco mover and fingers crossed on two Scammell 6x6's for it. Was a bit disappointed when I discovered my Daf car transporter had snapped off a hydraulic arm whilst in transit but it arrived with another D series low loader in pretty good nick so that cheered me up :)

[@retrorestore]

Yes Ian, I seem to remember that being a common colour for the Mk2's

[@72Yonatan]

The Titan Gold with a touch of copper metallic might have worked. The lighting in your garage was excellent, but the latter sections of the video have too much light that interferes with the view of the car.

[@garygrainger978]

Came out really nice Martin, good trick with the split pin. I think it's a 2 door GT as you can see the little badge on the rear quarter panel. I googled mk2 cortina 2 door and found one in the same colour as yours. looking forward to the next one?

[@simonwelch560]

You pushed down on them to steer them. You could buy things to tow e.g. model caravans. I have fond memories of Mk2 Cortinas. My dad had a few. He used to let me drive his round an old airfield when I was about 14.

[@retrorestore]

I learn't a similar way by my dad at that age too lol

[@xinixxagnix201]

Genius Martin ;)

[@ketoking9435]

Martin,,, Wonderful restoration,,,,nice colour choice and whilst some folk detail lights,,,I prefer keeping them toy like,,,but if have spares for sure do them with lights as a try out,,,is that BMW one done in orange that's on KZbin,,,once again great work,,,cheers for an Awesome vid,,,,,wishing each n all a great weekend,,,The Williams Formula 1 documentary/film on tonight,,,, kool,,,

[@retrorestore]

Thanks bud, The lights were not really defined on this model so i'll probably give it a go on a different one.

[@ketoking9435]

retrorestore ,,, Looks great for sure,,,I'm hoping to do the Zodiac in light blue,Ford Sapphire or similar,,,used to see loads of MK2 Cortina's,,,that dark blue often cracked and the Silver Fox paint often delaminated,,,,,still they were great times,,,,have a great evening loops darn I mean night,,,,

[@retrorestore]

@@ketoking9435 Thanks Irfan, good luck bud

[@MrG61-u9k]

My Dad had a silver fox 1600e so I had this model, it came with a white caravan hence the tow hook.

[@kimspeller6941]

hey i didnt know you did these kind of restoration videos ? i started watching the ones about the triumph acclaim and lawn mowers ! lol but i also have an interest in the old matchbox corgi stuff and thinking about doing the odd restoration myself ! i have a mk2 as per your video, paints in pretty good nik, but i think the cracked pillar must be its trade mark ? lol. got a corgi chevrolet impala i gave a nasty paint job to when i was about 8..........think it needs to go thru the paint shop again ! :)

[@retrorestore]

Nice one, give it a go Kim, its fun.

[@kimspeller6941]

you know i just might ! :) how about a video on how to print the repro boxes ? @@retrorestore

[@jaggass]

Martin ive got a little bit of rust in my engine bay where the suspension bolts up too Ive got rid of it and treated it. Since engines aren't laquered would i get away with a light mist?

[@retrorestore]

Yes, i've part sprayed engine bays before

[@jaggass]

@@retrorestore Has a few scabby bits where some factory holes are on the suspension strut housing. Ive got the same colour paint for the engine bay so once i get some zinc primer on i should be good to go

[@chrishoughton510]

Great job Martin!! I find it baffling how certain people can not like your videos, they are all entertaining & i enjoy both your channels buddy 👍👍

[@shankill178]

My first car was a Ford Cortina 1600 Super. To be honest there wasn’t much super about it but I loved it anyway. lol. A lot of 1600 E’s were that gold colour Martin.

[@retrorestore]

Yes I recall that too Sam

[@geoffwallis1681]

Had a couple of 1600E Cortinas in late 60s one of which was Saluki Bronze the other Aquatic Jade, the Cortina being restored would appear to be a 1600GT (Poor mans Lotus Cortina)

[@barrybakewell9616]

hi martin must of mist this one only just seen it can you tell me what paint you use i know its tamiya is x or xf nice video again keep them coming thanks barry

[@retrorestore]

I show the paint pot in the vid Barry.

[@koshtie]

Just had another look at the transit van she's a petrol flat front, driven them years ago, bull nose front was diesel either perkins or York engine, cant remember witch one it was but one of them love ether, think they used same engine in the a-series as well, showing my age, better times back then, top man.

[@johnsalt19]

Hi wayne if i remember rightly they were a york

[@lesliedickinson198]

The tow bar was for a caravan that lesney also did, I remember having the caravan to do it .

[@vespamorelli7090]

Was wondering how you’d planned to fix the A pillar !! Would never have thought of using a split pin !! Pure genius Martin. Great content on your channels as always ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@garywalker3818]

good job when starting the transit a gen

[@timempson]

Hi Martin are they GT badges on the rear wings nice job mate tim

[@retrorestore]

Nice one Tim.

[@koshtie]

Hi Martin you made a good job of that one, its as old as me, love to see you do transit van next ! ATB Wayne.

[@fiddyb]

wait a minute, are you also retrohax? if so Im subbed and love your stuff, wish i knew about this channel sooner, subbed here to now!

[@retrorestore]

Yes bud, that's my other channel. \Thanks for the sub.

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

You really need to do a trotter van matchbox

[@markellis4229]

I quite agree with you there a trotter van matchbox car would be cool

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

Corgi make one and could I suggest a Mr beans mini

[@bugsbunnyhalfdollar9133]

What size rivets do you use and where do you get t@

[@retrorestore]

I show the package in my videos bud.

[@nigelsandeman2642]

They later did this model in Superfast guise, in metallic blue. I have that one with the box.

[@connorharradine3792]

I like your car martin

[@zedman442]

Lovely mate. Was this not for retrohax? Or you chopping and changing now?

[@retrorestore]

No, these are going on Retrorestore in the Retro diecast playlist.

[@jaggass]

I tried to dye faded plastic in hot using a powedered dye and it distorted it. Ill just paint them next time.

[@rarecockneyguvnor4945]

Martin do you have the space to park such a Large car. You really need a smaller car mate !

[@lemans1924]

the correct colour is aurora beige , i had a 1600E model

[@Aidan-LM02]

The reason they do have tow hooks is because of some of them used to come with trailers

[@professionalidiots101]

Brilliant Martin, out of curiosity do you remember a product called "Seek n Seal"?. It is now called "Captain Tolley" I wonder if a tiny dribble of that would hide the windshield crack?? Can't wait for more. Excellent job on the A pillars, however there is some orange peel on the B pillars lmao 🤣 👍

[@retrorestore]

Not heard of that Dan, Orange peel lol

[@professionalidiots101]

@@retrorestore seek n Seal now know as Captain Tolley is a very thin silicone type of fluid, it works by capillary action an window rubbers etc, then sets to a permanent seal. It's an excellent product and can revive perishing seals without dismantling, (however it can sometimes take a couple of attempts though).

[@terribelbliss9646]

Matchbox offered several interesting trailer models in their 1-75 line during the time of this model and trailer added to play value. They made as horse trailer, a caravan, boat trailer, motorcycle trailer to name a few. I have an early example of a lunch trailer. For truth authenticity the hitch should remain.

[@retrorestore]

Yes I agree. Thanks bud for the info.

[@taskmaster58]

The steering front wheels used to be called finger tip control back in the day.

[@manuelpouparina4918]

You needed to add a little brown to the light gold

[@dewexdewex]

Use nail polish remover (dilute acetone) to clean up CA glue mess.

[@ketoking9435]

F reg good old "68" vintage oldest I ever had was J reg good ol days,,,, Luv to see you restore a Zodiac lived them but each time I nearly got one always got Rover V8's,,,

[@markellis4229]

Don’t forget Good old G reg 1968

[@piratedjradio]

couldn't stand the mk2 cortina but I love the mk1 which I have the full size one lol, but why didn't matchbox do a mk1

[@Lfig012]

Because of the badges on the quarter panels its a gt......gt only was on the badge...

[@bletheringfool]

Focus! My eyes!

[@brianmackie5479]

Designed to steer when weight put on one side of car.

[@retrorestore]

Yes, silly design though I think

[@davidvickers9029]

video a bit blurred, but still a nice job Martin.

[@Chief81]

The OG colour looked better.

[@NitroMaxOriginal]

Focus is still a big issue.

[@retrorestore]

Better than the last one though

[@NitroMaxOriginal]

@@retrorestore Not by much, have a gander at the manual 👀

[@alexpinchbeck6373]

@@retrorestore nice job on the model there, I think the video was slighly over exposed so some of the finer details couldn't be seen. However practice makes perfect, looking forward to the next restoration

[@retrorestore]

@@alexpinchbeck6373 Yes, i'm not used to operating this camera in manual. Getting there slowly.

[@ChromeClanDesigns]

You vids are good but could be trimmed down a bit on time.

[@retrorestore]

Yes, I'm working on it and getting used to a new camera bud.

[@TheFissionchips]

Tamiya X-33 bronze is a much better match.