Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1965 Ford Lotus Cortina MkI
Estimate
£30, 000 - £40, 000
Registration No: KPU 103C
Chassis No: BA74EM59102
MOT: Exempt
Finished in traditional Ermine White with Green side flash, trimmed in Black
Restored to fast road/ classic rally specification in c. 2005 by Eddie Ganderton
Carrying the iconic 'KPU' registration prefix
Potentially all, or part of a donor shell may have been used to restore the Ford
In 1963 Ford was looking to race the two-door MkI Cortina in Group 2, for which the obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the 'Kent' engine Colin Chapman had already developed for use in the Elan - the Lotus Cortina was born. In addition to the 105bhp 1558cc engine, the changes included: a close-ratio gearbox, shorter front suspension struts, and trailing arms and coil springs with 'A' bracket at the rear. Wider 5. 5J steel wheels were added, lightweight aluminium panels used for the doors, bonnet and boot and quarter bumpers added to the front. Interior amendments included: a new centre-console for the remote control gear lever, different seats and facia, and a wood-rim steering wheel. The MkI model was made until 1966, during which time the most significant upgrades included the adoption of Ford's new 'Airflow' ventilation system and the replacement of the troublesome 'A' bracket rear suspension with leaf springs and radius arms.
