The Lotus Cortina story started in 1961, when Colin Chapman was looking to develop his own engines for use in Lotus cars. Chapman commissioned Harry Mundy to develop a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine, and by 1962 a prototype was used in the Group 4 Lotus 23 raced by Jim Clark at the Nürburgring. Seemingly successful, it went into production in the Lotus Elan and was almost immediately enlarged to 1557cc.
Ford was not one to miss an opportunity, and it requested that Chapman install the engine into 1,000 Cortinas to homologate it for saloon-car racing. The resulting Lotus Cortina differed not just in its engine, but also in its sporty suspension and enhanced brakes.
To many, it was much more a sports car than traditional two-seaters. It wasn’t long before it achieved hallowed status among motorsport enthusiasts, who were enthralled as Jack Sears and Jim Clark hurled it around corners to ultimately claim victory in the 1963 and 1964 British Saloon Car Championships. The trophies piled up – in 1965, Sir John Whitmore won the European Touring Car Championship and Jackie Ickx the Belgian Saloon Car Championship, to say nothing of the wins in international rallying.
The Mk. II Cortina was launched in 1966 and it, too, was offered as a Lotus model. Capable of up to 105mph, it remained a force to be reckoned with in racing, with Frank Gardner winning the BSCC in 1968 driving a Lotus Cortina and an Escort Twin Cam. Now, of course, they are highly competitive in historic racing.
Needless to say, Lotus’s advanced engineering did not make for a cheap car, and by 1970 just 4,093 Mk. II Lotus Cortinas had been built. This is example is surely one of the best to come to market. Last used on the road in 1987, it has just emerged from an exacting restoration to original specification. It took more than 30 years but the result was well worth it, especially as it is thought to have been a participant in the RAC Rally.
The History and Paperwork
Originally finished in Blue Mink with Black upholstery
First registered in Walsall in February 1969
Believed to have been bought second-hand by two Metropolitan Police officers and entered in the 1972 or 1973 RAC Rally. There was a Mk. II Cortina entered by the Metropolitan Police in the 1973 rally, but it has not been confirmed that it was this car
Taken off the road in 1987 and subjected a restoration lasting more than 30 years
Acquired by the vendor’s family in 2018 in a disassembled state and completed earlier in 2023
Sold with a vast history file comprising four separate folders containing the current V5, copious invoices, correspondence, extensive photographic documentation of the restoration, club magazines dating back to 1983, an original Cortina owner’s manual and a copy of High Performance Cortina Lotus Workshop Manual 1969.
The Interior
Beautifully finished in Black vinyl, as per its original specification
Correct to Lotus Cortina specification
Excellent condition all round
The Lotus Cortina was a remarkable car in that it tried to be two completely different things at the same time, and succeeded. While, on the one hand, it was a sports racer, it could also be put to use as a family four-seater, and the interior reflects that. It’s spacious, with four comfortable seats and other concessions to general comfort, such as a heater and air-conditioning. Only the Lotus gear knob and drilled aluminium steering wheel give away the fact that it’s not your average shopping car.
The Cortina’s restoration was very comprehensive and the condition of the interior is such that we are almost certain that it’s been reupholstered. Consequently, it’s extremely hard to fault. The seats, carpets and headlining are excellent, as are the dash, centre console and door trims. There is some very light patina in places, but that’s a good thing – a characterful restoration is far more pleasing to us than a sterile one.
The boot is sparsely trimmed, obviously for weight-saving, but that just shows what excellent condition all the metalwork is in. Like the rest of the car, it is extraordinarily good. Bidders will note that it does not come with a spare wheel.
The Exterior
Finished in the very rare original Blue Mink
Presented in near-concours condition
Fitted with the correct Lotus Cortina wide steel wheels
While we often picture Lotus Cortinas in their famous white and green colour scheme, Ford did offer them in other colours and this example left the factory in Blue Mink – a particularly tasteful choice. Silvery blue with a subtle metallic glimmer, it is easy on the eye and disguises the car’s motorsport engineering. Delightfully unassuming, it epitomises the concept of the Q-car.
Being fresh from restoration, it goes without saying that the paint is immaculate, and even if you went over it with a toothcomb you would struggle to find any imperfections. The chrome is superb, with some light patina in some areas, and all the badges and trim present very well.
Aside from the badges, it is only the deep steel wheels which give away the fact that this is not quite an ordinary Cortina. Standard fitment on the Lotus Cortina in period, they are now very rare and sought after, so we’re pleased to report that this car has its full set in exceptionally good condition.
It would not do to look at this Cortina without also taking the time to inspect the underside. Rarely do we see a car as clean as this one. Whatever rust problems might have afflicted it in 1987 have been well and truly eradicated; from underneath, you might think this was a brand new car. With respect to its bodily condition, this is without doubt one of the best Cortinas on the market.
The Mechanics
Virtually every mechanical part has been renewed or rebuilt
One of the cleanest engine bays we have ever seen
Starts on the button
This car could be as close you can get to buying a brand-new Cortina. Over the course of its restoration, virtually every single mechanical component or system has been renewed or rebuilt, and it has not been driven on the road following its completion. Even so, we have seen it fire up and drive and it seems as though everything is in working order, and it sounds delightful, too.
Being newly finished, the Cortina has not been subjected to an MoT test (although, as a historic vehicle, it does not require one), and with any such car it is customary for us to advise bidders to approach with the appropriate caution and use their own judgment as to a car’s roadworthiness. Where this one is concerned, though, we really do think the photographs speak for themselves. The engine and underside are among the cleanest we have ever seen, and every visible component looks like brand-new.
As with its cosmetic condition, mechanically this car has been finished just as it would have been in period, although the vendor advises that he has sensibly added fuses to the electrics – a very wise decision.
The work that has gone into bringing this Cortina back to life is clearly of the highest standard, and we’re sure it will be a very rewarding car to drive.
Summary
It is scarcely possible to praise the Lotus Cortina highly enough it just a few words. A Jaguar-beater on track, it was arguably the greatest saloon car of the 1960s, and was probably the first true sports saloon to be made available at a reasonably affordable price. This example is, we are sure, the best on the market. With possible RAC Rally provenance and freshly emerged from a meticulous restoration, it represents an opportunity not to be missed.
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