Mann Cortina back to fold

Alan Mann has bought back the Mk2 Ford Cortina his famous team used to kick-start Frank Gardner’s successful bid for the 1968 British Saloon Car Championship.

An influential team manager in the 1960s, Mann has been out of the sport for 30 years. But a reunion with the Cortina, and the Escort that replaced it after three races, rekindled his interest

“When the guy who owned it said it was going to auction, I couldn’t bear the thought of anybody else having it,” explained Mann.

A successful driver before switching to a full-time managerial role, Mann has no firm plans for the car. He has, however, been seen testing a Mustang at Goodwood recently and is known to have renewed his racing licence…