Wedge TR7 - Or Cortina MKIII?

[AngliaGT]

I also posted this in "The Pub".
I've got a 1972 Ford Cortina MKIII that I bought
in Canada.It has almost 77,000 miles on it,but
needs a lot of things done to it.
My question is : Should I keep it,or go for
the Tr7 with a 5 speed,rebuilt engine,& overall clean
car.We're talking under $1300 for the TR7.I have someone
(or two) willing to buy the Cortina.
The Tr7 is really fun to drive,but needs some work.
The Cortina is OK to drive,but needs more work.
What would you do?

- Doug

 

[RonMacPherson]

What year is the 7, what kind of work does it need? I'm leaning more towards the 7 as there seems to be a resurgency in the UK, they are importing the exported ones back to the isles.

 

[DNK]

They are importing them to make 8's out of em.

 

[piman]

Hello Doug,

you are asking whether chalk or cheese is preferable?

They are two entirely different sort of cars, that is if you are talking about 'Driving' them.

For me the TR7 is the only choice. (Then I would look for a Dolomite Sprint engine, rather than the fashionable V8)

Alec

 

[tdskip]

Wouldn't the Cortina be worth 2-4 times the value of the restored TR7?

Not that the value is the deciding factor...

 

[swift6]

I doubt a MkIII would be. Even a 2000GT. MkI LoCorts bring the highest bucks, followed by MkII LoCorts, then 1600E's, 1600GTs and on down. At least that is how I remember the price trends running last time I looked. By the time the MkIII's came out the Escorts and Capris were the reigning 'Sporting Fords' and the Cortina had grown into a larger 'family sedan', even though they were still fairly sporty.

TR7's are seeing an increase in value though. The big question still is... what kind of work is needed. If the TR7 needs body work it could get really expensive to set right. Same with the Cortina though if you had to source and ship panels from the UK.

 

[AngliaGT]

Cortina values (non-Lotus),aren't worth all that much.
I've noticed that TR7's have been steadily going up in value.
The one that I'm looking at has a rebuilt engine,runs really well,interior in exceptional condition,almost all of the controls work.
It does need some smog parts (at least an air pump).
Are emissions parts hard to find (& expensive)for these cars?
I also think that I'm ready for a change,I've had the MKIII since 2001.Bought it with 41+K miles,has 77K on it now.

- Doug

 

[Bugeye58]

Doug, it sounds to me as if you've already made up your mind.
I'm not a wedge fan, but if you really feel the need for a change, go for it.
Jeff

 

[swift6]

The one that I'm looking at has a rebuilt engine,runs really well,interior in exceptional condition,almost all of the controls work.
It does need some smog parts (at least an air pump).
Are emissions parts hard to find (& expensive)for these cars? - Doug

Yes, they can be had, and yes, they are expensive. VB lists new air-pumps and they are over $300. But I'm sure you need it for emissions. If you get it, you might be able to find some one on the 'Wedgelist' that no longer has need of their emissions related parts. That way you might not have to purchase new parts. Possibly even Ted at TSI or Brad at Wedgeparts might have some parts for you. Woody would just try to talk you into dropping a V8 in there. I can't say as that I blame him since I held out for a TR8 myself. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

The coupes are worth less money as most people that want wedges want the roadsters. The coupes are actually better handling cars though as the body shells are stiffer and they are lighter. Stiffen up the bushings, add some better springs and shocks and look out! Then you'll be wanting to upgrade the brakes as well. They are quite fun and comfortable.

 

[philman]

are the air pumps on the TR7's the same as on the TR8's? I may have one on my parts car.

 

[swift6]

VB only lists a TR7 pump, illustrations look similar but the volume they pump could be different.