Highlights

Charming 1963 Mk1 "Pre-Airflow" model with patented Lotus "A Frame" articulated axle.
One of around thirty left-hand drive cars produced, compared with around 1,000 right-hand drive cars
Extensively restored with a number of authenticity-enhancing upgrades
Never raced/rallyed according to the seller; no signs of accidental damage or corrosion
Original colours: Herminie White and Sherwood Green with red interior, wheels, hubcaps and Dunlop Racing 5.25M/13 C R 65 tyres
Only two registered owners: in the hands of the same owner since 1983

The Appeal

We are delighted to present a truly exceptional car. Ford sports car enthusiasts will recognise this Mk1 Cortina, the very first in the Lotus series, as a 'Pre-Airflow' version with 'A Frame' articulated axle. The term 'Pre-Airflow' refers to the absence of the through-ventilation introduced in October 1964, while 'A Frame' refers to the complex (and extremely effective) rear suspension developed by Lotus and fitted to the early models.

We are told that this is one of the rare left-hand drive examples, sold new in Greece in the two-tone combination of Herminie White and Sherwood Green, complemented by a red interior. Remaining in remarkably original condition, this car has benefited from a thorough restoration and has been slightly modified to enhance driving pleasure. This is probably one of the most attractive vintage Ford models on the market today.

The History and Paperwork

Only two registered owners
Delivered new in Greece in 1963, purchased in 1983 by the current owner
Kept in a dry, secure garage in both Greece and France
Accident and corrosion free; never raced or rallied; original builder's plates present
42,000 miles (67,600 km) on the odometer, which the vendor guarantees to be accurate
Restored by a professional, Mr Paul Julien of Ets NASCAR in 2010, completed in 2014
The catastrophic floods in Cannes in October 2015 destroyed everything in the owner's business premises; the Greek registration certificate, the transfer certificate, and the photographs of the restoration disappeared, but fortunately, the car was safe at Mr. Paul Julien's premises in Rueil-Malmaison 92000 and did not suffer any damage

The Condition

Offered in superb condition thanks to a very high quality restoration
Presents beautifully inside, out and under the bonnet
Original colour scheme respected
Kept in a dry garage and used in good weather since its restoration
Original wheels and hubcaps
Vintage Dunlop 5.25M/13 CR 65 racing tyres

Thanks to a meticulous restoration, this Cortina appears to be in almost identical condition to the original, right down to the small details such as the factory specification wheels and tyres. The photographs show the car in excellent condition throughout, and the seller assures us that this is a remarkable example.

Restoration work would have included:

Complete dismantling of the car (interior, boot, engine, transmission)
Lotus steering wheel, new bucket seats and red interior
Bodywork repainted in its original Herminie White and Sherwood Green colours

The Mechanics

1.6-litre Lotus twin-cam four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Lotus "A Frame" rear suspension

According to the vendor, the car has been used regularly since restoration and is in excellent working order with no known faults.

Mechanical specification and works include:

Engine:

Completely rebuilt: Proven cylinder head, new valves, springs, bearings and camshaft.
New pistons and piston rings, new connecting rod bearings
Weber carburettors completely overhauled
New clutch (disc, diaphragm and receiver), all balanced
Fully overhauled original close-ratio gearbox with new synchros, bearings and seals
Water cooler rebuilt with addition of an automatic electric fan
Original manifold and new side exhaust

Brakes :

Twin tandem master cylinders fitted
New front brake calipers and pads
New rear calipers and pads

Restoration work :

Front and rear axles and frame completely rebuilt with new original parts
All axle, frame and wheel components sandblasted and painted in black epoxy
MacPherson front braces fitted and approved by Ford and the FIA
Adjustable KONI shock absorbers at the front and gas shock absorbers at the rear with adjustable height

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI-checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].