Celebrating the best Mk2 cars ever made
To coincide with the launch of Mk2 PetrolBlog, we thought it was time to celebrate the best Mk2 cars ever made. Or, to put it another way, that difficult follow-up album. Or the sequel that has to match the original. The tough act to follow's successor.
There have been many successful Mk2s throughout time. There's the majestic (What's the Story) Morning Glory?: a suitable follow-up to Oasis' Definitely, Maybe. Or Terminator 2: a film that trounced the original in just about every respect. And who can forget X-Factor winner Steve Brookstein's phenomenally successful second album? Oh hang on, wait...
Back to the cars. Surely it's time to give the automotive Mk2 some respect? After all, all the lessons learned from the Mk1 should be taken into account to create a perfected version of the original. The Mk2 could actually be the only time the daft ‘new and improved’ phrase actually works.
So, dear PetrolBlog reader, what's your favourite Mk2? Help us find the greatest ever Mk2. Get your nominations in and we'll run a poll to find the best. There'll be a packet of BlogNobs on offer at some point.
To get the ball rolling, here are ten Mk2s from the last 50 or so years.
Mk2 Ford Escort
The Mk2 Ford Escort went on sale in January 1975, so it shares its birthday with me. But unlike me, it went on to enjoy a successful rallying career. Still, at least I wasn't originally known as the Brenda. Take that, Escort.
Jaguar Mk2
Fans of the police, bank robbers and Inspector Morse will hold this one close to their hearts. Fancy a quick pint, Lewis?
Mk2 Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier was consistently one of Britain's biggest selling cars in the 1980s. Given the photo above, you could say they flew off dealers’ forecourts. But we wouldn't stoop so low as to roll out a cheap quip like that...
Mk2 Vauxhall Astra
Once upon a time the Mk2 Astra was one of Britain's most stolen vehicles. Today, you'd do well just to spot one on the road. Sadly, the Mk2 spawned the Belmont. The less said about that, the better.
Mk2 Ford Cortina
The Mk1 Cortina was a beautiful thing, but by 1966 it was terribly outdated. The Mk2 was wider, offered more interior space and a larger boot. It was also more luxurious; no wonder it launched with a ‘New Cortina, More Cortina’ strapline.
Mk2 Volkswagen Polo
It's more shooting brake than hatchback, but the Mk2 Polo ‘breadvan’ is becoming an increasingly rare sight on Britain's roads. How long before their stock rises and you'll need to part with more dough to pick up one for yourself?
Mk2 Volkswagen Golf
The MK2 Golf enjoyed a nine-year lifespan, something that's unheard of today. Hard to believe we're already on to the MK7...
Mk2 SEAT Ibiza
The Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Ibiza was the first new Ibiza to be developed under the control of the Volkswagen Group. It might be me, but the ‘hot’ versions are becoming quite desirable...
Mk2 Ford Capri
The unloved Capri. I remember when values of the Mk2 Capri were so low you had to practically give them away. Today, they still live in the shadows of the Mk1 and Mk3, making the Mk2 arguably the most PetrolBlog Capri there is.
Mk2 Volkswagen Scirocco
It would be difficult for any car, let alone the Mk2 Scirocco to follow the beauty and charm of the original Giugiaro-designed Scirocco. The world agreed. Fewer than 300,000 Mk2s were sold, compared with more than half a million Mk1s.
So that's a list of ten to get things moving. What's your favourite Mk2?
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