1966 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk I

The engine for the Lotus Cortina began its life in 1961 when Colin Chapman commissioned a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine and bored it out to give 1,558cc. Whilst the engine was still being developed, Ford asked Chapman to fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 homologation. Chapman accepted the challenge and the Lotus Cortina was born. Ford supplied the bodyshells, whilst Lotus handled the mechanical and cosmetic changes. This involved installing the 105 bhp 1,558cc engine into the cars, together with a close-ratio gearbox. The rear suspension was altered and lightweight alloy panels were used, along with lightweight casings for the gearbox and differential. The model was to dominate saloon car racing for the Ford factory as it evolved throughout the 1960s and was driven by many stars of the day, including the legendary Jim Clark.

Declared manufactured in 1966 on the V5c, this Lotus Cortina Mk1 has a very interesting story from the word go...... Previously under the long term ownership of a chap called "Dusty', a motorcycle enthusiast and Hell's Angel, the car was finished in black and had a brown vinyl roof and was bearing registration "TMP 86S'. A part exchange that included a trike, a Ford Anglia and cash was enough to secure a deal between Dusty and the would-be new owner, a Mr P. Edwards.

Upon purchase, Mr Edwards decided to strip the car down and it was discovered that written in chalk on the chassis were the words "1989 Donington'. After some delving and letters exchanged with Rikki Nock at the Lotus Cortina register it was discovered that this car was probably originally manufactured around November / December 1965 and was the 2,065th built. However, in 1977, due to an accident, it was re-shelled with a genuine ex-experimental 125E Lotus shell sourced directly from Ford. There is evidence that the shell was originally painted red, as per all motorsport or experimental Lotus Cortinas, and has experimental features. As a result of the accident, the DVLA gave it a 1977 registration "TMP 86S'. Obviously, the new owners were delighted that there was a story behind their new purchase and naturally wanted to apply for an age-related plate from the DVLA. After much back and forth, and again with help from the Register, the car was granted a new 1966, age related, registration "FHJ 246D'.

Contained within the history file are all the photographs whilst the car was undergoing a full restoration, which included the bodywork, engine and mechanicals and it was finally finished in Ermine White with the classic green stripe. The condition of this car today is simply stunning and it is as clean underneath as it is on top.

Supplied with a staggering amount of documented paperwork (X4 large files), including press cuttings from when the car was featured in the Lotus Register Magazine - issue 1 and Classic Ford magazine, July 2000, this fantastic Lotus Cortina is ready to continue its illustrious story with its next owner.