Charles Thompson designed the Ford Corsair, using a lengthened Ford Cortina MkI floorpan, with the running gear, doors and engines from the Cortina 1500. Looking like a smaller angilicised version of the contemporary Ford Thunderbird the Corsair was launched at the London Motor Show in 1963 with the name 'Ford Consul Corsair'. The Consul Corsair had either a 1498cc 4-cylinder engine, or a tuned GT version of the same engine, both as fitted to the Cortina 1500. In 1965 the 'Consul' title was dropped for the relaunch of the Corsair V4 with a 1663cc V4 engine from the Transit van. This uninspiring engine was supplemented by an optional 1996cc version of the V4. Most Corsairs were 4-door saloons, but a 2-door was available for export, and Abbotts of Farnham did Estate conversions whilst Crayfords offered a 2-door convertible. In 1967 the Corsair 2000E was launched in the spirit of the Cortina 1600E, with tuned engine, trimmed body and lots of equipment. In 1970 the Ford Cortina Mk3 was launched and the 2000 models to0ok over the Corsair place in the market.