1963 Ford Lotus Cortina FIA

The Lotus Cortina's serendipitous arrival resulted directly from Ford's decision to step up their motorsport involvement in the early 1960s. Their Head of UK Public Relations, Walter Hayes, spoke to Colin Chapman asking him to come up with a competitive saloon, using their mainstream Cortina as a base, that could be produced in sufficient numbers to satisfy the mandatory 'Group 2' homologation requirements and with which the Blue Oval could beat all-comers. The solution was to take Ford's bullet-proof 1500 Kent engine, take it out to 1,588cc, fit a twin-cam cylinder head, pop it into a stiffened Cortina shell, sort out the suspension and brakes, paint a green stripe down the side and the Type 28 had arrived. The cars would be built by Lotus at its plant in Cheshunt and marketed through their dealer network as the Ford Cortina Lotus. Once fully developed, Lotus Cortinas (as they quickly became known) absolutely shone on track as they have continued to do for the last 60 years.

Historic FIA Lotus Cortinas are now virtually built to a 'Formula' and the difference between winning a race and coming tenth can be as simple as the quality of the car's initial build and detailed race preparation. Built by Nick Stagg, 131 LBP has had the very best in terms of parts and correct specification to be competitive in a multitude of events in the UK and Europe. The Nick Stagg-built, all-steel engine has only had six hours of running and the documented power output is 182.3bhp at 7,500rpm with a BTB exhaust manifold and system. It has a Nick Stagg close-ratio gearbox with alloy bell housing and tail and runs the obligatory Alan Henderson leaf-spring rear suspension, but is also prepared for an A-frame setup. Naturally, it's ballasted up to meet the homologated weight requirements.

The body work is in beautiful condition with an alloy bonnet, boot and doors, the roll cage is FIA T45 and all the safety features are in date with the FIA/HTP valid until 31st December 2028. It's supplied with its V5C and a good spares package consisting of two sets of Panasport wheels with Dunlop CR65 tyres, a transponder, AIM Solo lap timer, spare LSD, springs and various ignition spares.

This is a very competitive car, in the ‘Premier League’ of  FIA Lotus Cortinas and built by the right people to be at the front of the grid. Guided very realistically, we invite interested parties to come along to the Silverstone Festival, admire the car's build quality and have a look at the numbers.