Highlights
- Restored ‘Twink’ Twin Cam
- Very rare Australian Type 49 car
- Carefully retains factory features
- Imported to UK in 2008 with two keepers since
- Barely used since restoration completed
- Just 1,263 Twin Cams built
- Thick history file indicating 2014 restoration
The Appeal
After the success of the Lotus Cortina, a lighter, faster Escort version was inevitable. Equipped with the stiffened Type 49 shell and 110bhp Lotus engine, the simply named Twin Cam - or Twink as it’s known to enthusiasts - was quite something.
Alongside the Halewood-built cars, Twin Cams were assembled between 1970 and 1972 in Sydney by Ford Australia. This is one of those 800-or-so ‘CK49’ chassis prefix ‘knock down’ kit cars. It is one of the later post-1970 Twin Cams with the internal pull bonnet switch and delta-shaped holes behind the rear seat.
This car arrived back in the UK in April 2008 and has had just two registered keepers since. It appears to have been extensively restored around 10 years ago, the work carefully replicating the factory specification. Amongst other features it retains the tramp bar, battery in boot and the engine stabiliser and brake master bottle both mounted on the firewall.
Only a handful of Twin Cams survive in the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an excellent example of one of Ford’s rarest and most desirable sporting saloons.
The History and Paperwork
- Recorded by DVLA as first registered 1st January 1970
- Imported to UK on 1st April 2008
- Just two registered keepers since arriving in this country
- Current keeper acquired the car on 1st May 2015
- CK49 chassis prefix and VIN plate show this is an Australian ‘CKD’ Twin Cam
- Thick history file showing raft of invoices from specialist Burton
- These date from around 10 years ago indicating the date of the restoration
- HPI check sheet
- Last MOT expired on 2nd February 2016 with 42,900 miles showing and no advisories
- Has covered only 47 miles since this test in February 2015
The Condition
- Restored Twin Cam in stand-out metallic green
- Paintwork is unmarked and finished to a very high standard
- Bodywork very well kept reflecting sparing use since 2015 evident from MOT history
- Carefully detailed to replicate the Type 49 Twin Cam factory specification
- Australian assembled car with CK49 chassis prefix and local chassis plate
- Well detailed car with two piece front bumper, Twin Cam badges and flared arches
- Lotus Cortina steel wheels with unmarked finish and chrome hub caps
- Rectangular headlamps fitted
- Retrimmed and very well kept interior with caramel vinyl trim
- Interior retains its various Twin Cam features including optional bucket seats
- Six gauge dashboard with natural alloy surround trim
- Underside very well kept with no structural issues to report
- Appears to be a correct Type 49 shell with Twin Cam features
- Battery correctly plated in boot
- Delta shape holes in rear seat back indicating later Twin Cam
The quality of this Twin Cam’s restoration is obvious. This is a very high quality car that appears to have been barely used since the work was completed. The CK49 chassis prefix shows that it is one of the Australian ‘complete knock down’ cars.
As enthusiasts will know, any restored car needs to be approached with care. Close inspection of the photographs and history indicates that this car has a Type 49 shell and retains the many minor details that sets the Twin Cam apart from standard Escort Mk1s. These include two-part front bumper, flared arches, tramp bar underneath and the battery in the boot. Inside the cabin is trimmed correctly for a later 1970 car, including the internal bonnet release.
The first 883 Twin Cams, to January 1969, had square headlights, after which they switched to round ones. As a 1970 car this one would be expected to have the later lights. However, as a CK49 prefix car it is quite likely that it left the Halewood factory long before it was first built and registered.
Beyond the minutiae of these remarkable cars, the condition of this one is quite remarkable. The restoration work was clearly completed to a high standard and it presents now at the same level.
The Mechanics
- Lotus-developed and built 1,558cc twin cam engine developing 110bhp
- Very well kept engine bay with evidence of extensive mechanical work
- Type 3 2000E Cortina 4spd gearbox
- Car has only covered 47 miles since 2015 when it appears to have been restored
110bhp in a super-light bodyshell must have been a revelation back in 1967. It certainly launched a run of high performance Escorts and Fords that continue to this day. Of those many variations, the Twin Cam is amongst the rarest and the one with proper Lotus pedigree.
We understand that this car was restored around 10 years ago, since when it has covered less than 50 miles. The photographs of the engine bay bear testament to that work.
The under-bonnet area continues to reinforce the honesty of this car. The engine stabilizer mounted to the firewall is present, as is the brake master bottle similarly affixed.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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