1967 Mk1 Lotus Ford Cortina

A genuine Mk1 Lotus Cortina, known to the Owners Club, & authenticated by Andy Morrell of “The Lotus Cortina Register”. First registered on the 21st of January 1967, OGW 220E has now had 8 owners. & by some chance of fate, all appear to have been true Lotus Cortina aficionados, which is reflected in the extensive service history.

OGW 220E’s service history takes you for a nostalgic amble down memory lane. There are the expected receipts for service parts & work, as well as invoices for specialist services from over the last 58 years. There is a lovely folder of photographs, documenting the complete strip down, bare metal restoration, that took place back in 2007, & an invoice from Aldridge for the interior trimming. There is a series of detailed photographs with instructions, that show the correct positioning of the ‘tell tale’ Sherwood Green Lotus stripes. Several re-prints of the original road test reports, as well as 2 “Practical Classics” magazines, with Lotus Cortina articles. Numerous parts catalogues spanning several decades. There’s a laminated A4 colour wiring diagram. One of the previous owners had a keen interest in rallying & racing, as there are numerous articles of other Lotus Cortina’s racing. The second owner kept a log, of every journey covered, the date, distance, start location, destination, mileage, mpg achieved, any expenses, & any special notes from the journey! OGW 220E has been loved!

The cylinder head was last re-machined back in 1998, which included hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel. The last engine re-build was carried out in 2000, & a subsequent 5000 miles, as backed up by the MOT history, has been covered since.

The previous MOT’s, & the online MOT history substantiate the 105737 miles recorded, the odometer currently reads 05737. In my opinion, the condition, & patina of OGW 220E reflects the accompanying history file.

I bought OGW 220E as she was far too good a car to pass up on, & has been trouble free, as well as a rewarding drive. I’ve only used her for car shows & the odd fun drive when I feel like it, please note, expect the mileage to go up a little as I’m bound to go out for the odd jolly! The engine runs like a Swiss watch, testament to the previous retired owner, who served his working life as a tool maker. I can feel his influence throughout the car. She is not a concourse trailer queen, but a rewarding, well maintained driver quality car.

My reason for selling is i’ve nearly finished the bare metal restoration of my dream Mk1 Lotus Cortina, & am moving to a smaller property soon, & cannot justify keeping two examples of the same car. Any inspection welcome, serious enquiries only please, I have a busy family life!