1965 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1

In 1961, Colin Chapman was commissioned by Harry Mundy to design a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine and its first appearance was at the Nürburgring in a Lotus 23 driven by Jim Clark. Soon after, the engine appeared in the Lotus Elan. During the engine's development, Walter Hayes at Ford asked Colin Chapman to fit the twin-cam into 1,000 Ford saloons for 'Group 2' racing homologation. Chapman accepted the contract and the Type 28, or Lotus Cortina as it became known, was born. Whilst Ford supplied the two-door body shells and took care of the marketing, Lotus engineered the mechanical and cosmetic changes which included the 1,558cc engine along with the Elan's close-ratio gearbox, front quarter bumpers and Lotus badges. They also made changes to the interior with a new centre console to accommodate the revised gear lever position, different seats and a later styled dashboard that incorporated a tachometer, odometer, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel gauges. A wood-rimmed steering wheel was the finishing touch.

Finished in Ermine White with the instantly recognisable Sherwood Green flash, this particular early Lotus Cortina Mk1 is in outstanding condition throughout after being the subject of a comprehensive restoration in recent years. Prior to his purchase, our vendor asked Andy Morrell, Lotus Cortina Club Registrar and Mk1 'guru' to cast his eye over this immaculate machine to ensure that what was on offer was as correct as it possibly could be. It passed with flying colours with the exception of an incorrect water bottle, now replaced, and an odd track-rod end, which has also now been replaced with the correct item.

It should also be noted that the original chassis number is no longer assigned to the vehicle as the original chassis plate, usually pop riveted to the inner wing, was mislaid during the rebuild with the fastidious restorer questioning this with the DVLA who issued a replacement chassis number now shown and fitted in its correct place. All documented and noted by Andy Morrell.

The car remains in outstanding condition throughout with a notable attention to detail and remarkably standard apart from a few very minor approved upgrades including QED Q360 camshafts fitted during the engine rebuild completed some years ago.

With a comprehensive history file and beautifully presented, we suggest that this cherished Mk1 is more than worthy of your early inspection to confirm that it fulfils all your requirements. A delightful example that will provide much enjoyment to the next custodian for years to come.