∙High quality older restoration
∙Upgraded engine 
∙Comprehensive history file

The Mk1 Lotus Cortina had been a massive hit for Ford, but for the Mk2 things needed to change. Despite the success of the Mk1 both on and off the track, the fact remained that there was something of a disparity between people celebrating the Lotusness of it, while being quick to blame any shortcomings on the, ahem, Fordness of it. Ford, quite rightly, wanted to change that. To do so, they opted to keep the 1,557cc Lotus Twin Cam engine, but do everything else themselves. So, rather than Lotus building the car, Ford would do it at Dagenham. 

The Mk2 was quite the same departure from stock that the Mk1 was. The engine was hotter, of course. But the rest of the car was, by and large, a GT model. The now famous white and green livery from the Mk1 wasn’t even standard. The Mk2 could be ordered in many different colours. However, most buyers did go for white and had the dealer fit the stripes, and rightly so. It was still a Lotus-engine car, after all. But it was a bit bigger, a bit more drivable and a bit easier to live with. And as such, it was a huge success for Ford until it was replaced by the Escort Twin Cam. 

Apparently, from what we can glean from the paperwork, this early 1967 Mk2 Lotus Cortina was first the car of choice for director at Ford’s motorsport division. It was then with a number of private owners before being acquired by an enthusiast in 2005 who set about a programme of works to improve the already impressive performance. 

The engine was rebuilt and upgraded, with new cams and pistons, there were upgrades to the suspension and brakes, an electronic ignition system was fitted and the Weber carbs were serviced. 

Over the car’s life, it appears to have covered a mere 24,000 miles. The condition of the car would certainly suggest this could be true, as would a look at the car’s MOT history.  

Now part of a private collection, the owner has opted to part ways and let someone else enjoy it. In his care, it has been stored in a warm, dry bespoke building and has barely been driven. It will be serviced ahead of the new owner collecting it, and it will be supplied with a fresh MOT.

There is plenty of paperwork with the Cortina, which most importantly of all serves to validate that low mileage. Though if you do an MOT history check on Cazana, you will also be able to see how little the mileage has increased over the years. This is very much a car that has been cherished, but not thrashed. 

That said, there is paperwork to suggest the engine has been fully reworked and as such, is now delivering 132 bhp to the rear wheels, which in a car that weighs so little is, well, it’s a lot. This car is, make no mistake, a riot to drive. And as per the hopes of the original engineers, it would be able to turn its hand to motorsport without too much work, should that be your wont. 

The paperwork has old MOTs, invoiced for various works, services and upgrades. There are full instructions for the electronic ignition that has been fitted, and there are detailed accounts of ownership from two of the more recent owners. It’s a pleasingly comprehensive collection of documentation.

Being an early car, this Mk2 has the raised four centre gauges on the dash, and the umbrella handbrake beneath it. There is a nice centre console between the front seats, too. The dash is all in good order, with no splits or cracks. There is some slight coming away of the vinyl around one of the gauges, but that’s all. The polished, three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel is in excellent condition, and falls to hand beautifully. The main dash gauges are in good condition, with no fogging or other issue. 

The doors are all in good order. Painted black internally, with matching black vinyl door cards, everything seems to be in tip top condition. Though it should be noted the front doors have been fitted with speakers at some point in the past. 

The carpets are all excellent, and look to have been replaced at some point. There are some alloy pedal covers fitted, which may be best removed, but that’s very much the bidder’s choice! The seats are also all in good condition, both front and back. The lower skirt/base of the driver’s seat is a little worn, and has possibly been replaced and painted, as there is some blue showing through now. 

In the boot, everything is exceptionally clean, dry and very presentable. In fact, while it may have had some paint over the years, it does by and large look original. There is the exception, of course, of the battery and the power cut-off switch. Other than that though, the matting is good, the corners and seams look excellent, the fuel filler neck and top of the tank, too. There is even a spare ‘Lotus’ steel wheel in there with a new tyre, too. 

As the pictures go to show, this car presents every well indeed with the classic white and green combination. The body is arrow straight, and while it looks like it has had some paint in places (like the A-pillars for example) it looks to be largely original. There is a nice, deep shine to the paint, and there doesn’t seem to be anything to report in terms of significant defects. 

Looking at the underside of the car, it’s remarkably clean and tidy under there. There is some flaking paint, in places, which the new owner would want to treat before doing any serious miles, but there is no major corrosion to be worried about. The only thing we could see was a bit of rust coming through on the lower inside lips of the rear aches, that was about it. Everything else was very clean, very well cared for and very presentable as a result. 

The wheels are all in good condition and look to have been repainted at some point. And each one wears the correct ‘dog dish’ chromed cap. The bumpers are in good condition, as is the front grille. The lights, too, are all in excellent condition.

The glass is all good, and all the seals look to have been replaced at some point, meaning the cabin stays nice and dry and draft-free as a result. On the whole, it was very hard indeed to find fault with this Cortina. It’s clear it has lived a life of focused care and unending attention. It doesn’t look like it’s ever turned a mile with any serious anger. A rare find indeed.

Despite the almost perfect appearance of this Cortina, it has indeed been mechanically modified to produce more power. In fact, according to the supplied paperwork, this car has some 132 bhp at the rear wheels. This power comes care of a carb rebuild, a lightened crank, platinum shells, new piston rings and weight-matched pistons, bore hone, flowed cylinder head, high-lift cams, uprated valves with new springs and hardened seats. It is, make no mistake, a serious bit of kit. 

The front suspension has been rebuilt with new bushes, while the rear has had the same and also Spax shocks. Performance discs and pads have been fitted along with a new brake servo, there is an air-cooled 45a alternator, a new starter, a Kenlowe electric fan, front strut brace and other bits like new wiring and so on. Truly, nothing has been missed in the upkeep of this Cortina. 

It starts on the button and shouts with that unmistakable Lotus bark as it gulps air in through the twin carbs. It’s an eager, excited terrier of a car. One that eggs you on to push it harder. A properly immersive driving experience that modern cars fail to capture. 

The engine pulls remarkably well, the steering is light when on the move, and laden with welcome feedback. The suspension is compliant and free from excessive roll, nor any untoward bumps or creaks. It’s just an utter joy to drive. 

It’s an early Mk2 Lotus Cortina with 24k on the clock and it’s in show condition. Do we need to sell you on the idea of this magnificent thing? You have probably already fallen in love with it, and rightly so. This is an exceptional example of one of Ford’s greatest hits. An not only that, this one is far faster than Colin Chapman would have ever imagined. If you want one just to drive, this is it. But maybe you want to do more than that? Maybe competition beacons for this pint-sized powerhouse? And if it does, it’s pretty much good to go from a mechanical standpoint. Whatever your plans, this is the car to base them around. Examples like this seldom come to market. Miss it, miss out.

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