This is Robert Bartley's MkIII Cortina. It was powered by a 351 cu.in Ford V8. I assume this is the same Robert Bartley who now owns the Custaxie replica? Period reports said he was from Wanganui.

The Cortina appears to have lacked some development, although it was a pretty cool looking car. Judging by the widened steel wheels, I assume it was built on a pretty tight budget. I believe Bruce Robertson, who became well known as the creator of the first Tank stockcar for speedway racing, and later promoter of Palmerston North Speeday, plus various others, also had some involvement with this car.

It doesn't appear to have been raced for very long. I've only found a couple of reports where its mentioned. What happened to it?

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