Consignment

In the early 1960s, Ford and Lotus mutually needed each other. In 1962, while Ford engines were arriving on the Seven and Elan, the American giant presented its new Cortina, quickly announcing the launch of a sports version in order to dust off its overly “mature” image. This is how the Cortina Lotus was born, the result of a project led by Hugh Heskell within the venerable house founded by Colin Chapman.

This Cortina Lotus was also primarily intended to shine the colors of Ford in the context of touring car races, very popular in Great Britain. Its developer was none other than Jim Clark. A legendary driver for a sports car that would become just as legendary. The bodies of these Lotus Cortinas were produced in the Ford factory in Dagenham, where they received their famous Ermine White livery trimmed with Sherwood Green stripes, before being sent to Lotus in Cheshunt to accommodate in particular this famous Twin Cam engine developed by Lotus and based on the famous Kent block.

First registered in January 1965, but built in 1963, this left-hand drive Cortina Lotus Mk1 “Consul type” is a 125E, i.e. a very popular “pre-Aeroflow” model and high value. This version prior to the facelift at the end of 1964 is therefore distinguished in particular by the absence of air vents on the rear pillars and air vents on the dashboard, but also by a different grille from later versions. Its rear suspension is also A-Frame type, with reinforcement tubes visible in the trunk compartment.

Mechanically, its Twin Cam engine develops around 135 hp. It is associated with the original 2000E Bullet 4-speed gearbox (correct gearing with long first) and a Banjo bridge with ZF self-locking (75%) discs. High-performance, reliable and in completely impeccable condition, this first generation Ford Cortina Lotus has only competed in the Tour Auto.

Technical sheet :
– Ford Lotus Twin Cam 1600cc engine (+-135 hp)
– 2000E Bullet 4-speed gearbox
– Banjo axle with ZF self-locking differential (75%)
– Adjustable front and rear shock absorbers