1st Cortina Nationals 2012 - Gallery 2

The 1st Cortina Nationals attracted entrants from all States in Australia, with an impressive 250+ Cortinas present for the main display day on Sunday, June 10. A contingent of New Zealand Cortina enthusiasts also made their way across the Tasman for the event.

The Kinross Woolshed Hotel in Thurgoona was the venue for the Sunday display, with the expansive grounds around the hotel virtually full of Mark I, II and T-Series Cortinas. Road cars, daily drivers and some immaculate show cars and customs were on display, with the MkI and MkII models making up the bulk of the numbers. The performance MkI and MkII Lotus Cortinas were well represented, along with other race cars.

One of the highlights of the display day was the appearance of one of the four 'fastback' Cortinas built by Bodycraft in the 1960s. Another rarity was a Cortina utility, which was factory-built in South Africa on the MkIV model. A couple of Crayford convertible conversions drew a lot of attention, as did the highly sought-after GT 500 modells and a very individual 'rat look' Cortina custom from WA, complete with "RATTINA" badge!

The organisers were blessed with perfect sunshine for the event. At the conclusion of Sunday's main public display, the 'raffle' 1967 MkI Cortina was won by a NSW enthusiast, who was almost speechless when it came to receiving the keys to his well-presented vehicle!

Full credit must go to the Cortina Mk1 Owners Club, who put on a fantastic event that was especially praiseworthy considering it's the first time they've hosted anything of this size before. Punters at the show 'n' shine day were already talking about the next Nationals, and given the success of this event, the Cortina Nationals is likely to become a more regular (likely biannual) event.