Highlights

MK1 Lotus Cortina
Comprehensive restoration completed in 2015 to a superlative standard
Only 200 miles driven per year on average, attending local shows
Photographic restoration record available
Offered in superb overall condition

The Appeal

It's impossible to overstate the importance of the Lotus Cortina in Ford's history. To many, it was the very first "fast Ford" - a car that challenged (and even beat) the Germans and Italians in Touring Car competition.

Thanks to the Cosworth-fettled Lotus Twin Cam, an ingenious little engine based on the existing 'Kent' four-cylinder unit, the Lotus Cortina boasted 105bhp, compared to the standard 1600's 78. Paired with further handling tweaks by Lotus, this was a seriously impressive machine.

In total, 3,300 MkI Ford Lotus Cortinas were built, far in excess of the 1,000 needed for homologation, satisfying a high demand. It's not difficult to see why people wanted them...

We're delighted to present this superb example, a Mk1 Ford Lotus Cortina from 1965. The car underwent an exceedingly comprehensive restoration in 2015 and has since covered an average of just 200 miles per year, attending local car shows. Owing to the extent of the bodywork repair and restoration, the Cortina is classed as "re-shelled", while retaining original chassis and registration numbers, confirmed by the Lotus Cortina Register.

The vendor has carried out their own judicious maintenance over the last ten years, logging all the work carried out. If you're looking for one of these legendary early "fast Fords", this once should be top of your list.

The History and Paperwork

Classed as 're-shelled', while retaining original chassis and registration numbers, confirmed by the Lotus Cortina Register
The build date suggests this may have originally been an "A-frame" car
Bought in 2011 as an unfinished restoration project, restoration completed in March 2015
Four former registered keepers
Previous owner replaced complete floor chassis and bulkhead, new inner wings fitted; the vendor continued the work from 2011
Restoration completed in March 2015
Professional jig used during restoration, with photographic record available
Only 200 miles driven per year since completion of the restoration
Maintained by the owner over the last 10 years, with all maintenance logged
Exempt from MOT and road tax
1,964 miles indicated - odometer reset during restoration

The Condition

All outer panels apart from roof are Genuine Ford new old stock; the vendor notes that the car has all correct Ford and Lotus parts fitted
The vendor notes that the bodywork is excellent, benefitting from new doors and panels; panel gaps are also reported to be perfect on doors, boot, and bonnet
"Ermine White" with correct "Sherwood Green" stripes
Painted twelve years ago, now showing a few imperfections mainly on the boot lid
Underside is stone chip coated in body colour
Leaf-sprung shell
New front screen Triplex Laminated
New rubbers and seals throughout
New stainless steel bumpers
5 original 5.5j Lotus steels with Vredestein tyres, (spare unused)
Re-trimmed original seats in black vinyl
New carpets and new headlining
Original door cards
Original Lotus wood-rimmed steering wheel
Period Lotus SE Ford seat belts
Original Lotus Dash with all correct clocks for model
Interior is a lovely mix of new and original showing nice patina
Door cards are in very good condition 60 years old; passenger side item exhibits a small cigarette burn, as you would expect

This Cortina looks very period-correct and has evidently been restored to an impressive standard. Having been well-maintained, stored carefully and enjoyed sparingly ever since, it remains exceedingly smart, with very few signs of wear to be found both inside and out. The vendor is clearly very knowledgeable on the subject of Mk1 Lotus Cortinas, pointing out all the period parts this car has. It really is a fantastic example.

The Mechanics

1.6-litre Lotus Twin Cam Engine from 1967 - later type fitted while bores still standard (1558cc)
Crank re-ground big ends and mains now +10
Burton water pump conversion kit fitted
Luminition electronic ignition and coil
Still uses original dynamo setup, still positive earth
Reconditioned gearbox Lotus 2000E semi-close ratio, Genuine Ford aluminium bell housing
Chassis rail reinforcements over rear axle, Anti-Tramp bars, Boot hump, Lotus battery tray in boot
New Lotus reverse eye rear leaf springs ( Owen Springs ) with "cheese wedge" correction blocks
Gaz adjustable shockers
Original Lotus front struts with Koni adjustable inserts
Correct Lotus spec cast iron track control arms
Lotus anti-roll bar
New Girling front discs with P14 calipers
Lotus back axle 4.2 :1. LSD diff original drums with manual adjustable brakes
Reconditioned original Lotus split prop, new centre bearing and mounts
All brake/Clutch Cylinders new old stock using Automec Silcone brake fluid
Reconditioned original remote brake servo
Two-inch single box Stainless Steel exhaust system and manifold PD Gough + Co. Costing in excess of £1,300
New wiring loom
New petrol tank
New battery Exide 640 CA recently fitted

Lift the bonnet and you'll see all looks very original and is impeccably presented. The vendor reports that the Lotus engine is very responsive, offering impressive performance for a car of this vintage. The gear change is reportedly smooth, and we understand the brakes and suspension to be working as they should. Exempt from road tax and MOT, it's ready to enjoy.

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