The TC Cortina was introduced by
Ford in late
1970. The base model was designated "L",
while the more upmarket "XL" model featured
chrome trim around the wheel arches. A 2000 XL (112
bhp @ 3500 rpm) with a GS pack could reach 113.6 mph
and cover a quarter mile in 17.2 seconds, a big improvement
over the Mk.II.
The new model TC did not however immediately capture
the heart of the buying public, with sales falling away
to 12,000 after the previous models high of over 17,000
units.
There are perhaps 2 main reasons for the downturn
in the popularity of the Cortina, for starters the Japanese
were making big inroads at the time, and unfortunately
the Cortina was quickly gaining a bad reputation for
poor quality and reliability.
To redress the situation, Ford decided to follow suit
with Holden and introduce a 6 cylinder mid size car
(particularly following the success of the
Torana).
A little known fact is that around 500 V6 engines were
imported from the UK and installed into the local Cortina's,
however the decision was made to stick with the locally
manufactured straight 6 as was being used in the
Falcon.
The two Falcon sixes were available, either the 200ci
3.3 liter or the 250ci 4.1 liter. To fit the straight
sixes into the Cortina's body, the engine bay had to
be lengthened - easy to spot, the six had a bonet
bulge and quad headlights.
Other Falcon parts were used,
including the 3-speed manual, while the Falcon's 3-speed
auto was made an option, as was the 4-speed manual ($53
extra) from the lethal
Falcon GT.
While the 6-cylinder models were only marginally faster
than their 4 cylinder cousins, they were much better
suited to Australian conditions, cruising with far less
effort. An upmarket XLE model was introduced, which included
appointments such as a vinyl roof, snazzy hubcaps, and
bumper overriders.
While the six was a more relaxing
car to drive, the sloppy front end quickly gained a
bad reputation and sales continued to decline, particularly
when compared to its rival the
Torana (which was selling
3 to every 1 Cortina). Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the TC was the
dash, with the instruments being very low in comparison
to the driving position, and the ventilation system incorporated
into tiny "slits" between the instruments/glove
box and padded dash top.