Bangers & Cash

The Mk3 Ford Cortina 2000E is an iconic representation of the 1970s. Derek Mathewson travels to Brigg to assess a 1974 example, noted for its classic Coke‑bottle styling and its Pinto engine. The valuation will consider the car’s originality and mechanical condition.

The episode is a concise British programme centred on classic motoring, using a single car as its focal point. It showcases the Mk3 Ford Cortina 2000E, an automobile that instantly evokes the look and feel of the 1970s. The format follows a presenter as he investigates the vehicle's history and worth in a relaxed style. In this segment, presenter Derek Mathewson travels to the market town of Brigg with a clear purpose: to assess the value of a 1974 Mk3 Cortina. The car features the era‑defining Coke‑bottle silhouette and is powered by a Pinto engine that enthusiasts describe as particularly sweet. The choice of the Cortina 2000E underscores how the model has become synonymous with 1970s British motoring. Its distinctive, rounded waistline—often likened to a Coca‑Cola bottle—captures the design trends of the period, while the Pinto power unit adds a note of spirited performance that many collectors still prize. By taking the appraisal to Brigg, the programme highlights both the regional appeal of classic car culture and the hands‑on approach of the valuation process. Derek’s examination blends visual inspection of the car’s styling cues with a technical look at the engine, offering viewers a clear picture of why this particular Cortina remains noteworthy.