When Ford launched the Mark 3 version of its popular Cortina model it unveiled a vehicle which would become a legend. Always a favourite among enthusiasts, the Cortina Mk3’s popularity enjoyed a resurgence three decades after its launch thanks to a starring role in the hit BBC drama Life on Mars. Now you can discover the story behind this icon with two rare films from the Ford Motor Company’s own archive. These classic colour films chart the development of the Mk3 Cortina, from concept to road, with fascinating access behind-the-scenes as the car comes to life. The first film, 1970’s Prototype, reveals how the design of the Mark 3 was dictated by thousands of motorists who were surveyed before work began. The second film, Peak Performer, examines the different version of the Mark 3 as well as the different engine configurations motorists could choose from.