13th Mar, 2010 15:30
Stoneleigh Park
1965 Ford Lotus Cortina
Estimated at £26,000 - £30,000
Lot details
Registration No: BJO906C
Chassis No: BA85E59171
Mot Expiry: None
Ford were looking to race the MkI Cortina in the Group 2 category, for which 1,000 'homologation specials' would be required. The obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the ubiquitous Ford 'Kent' engine that Lotus genius Colin Chapman had already developed for use in the Elan. A deal was struck and the Lotus Cortina (or Cortina Lotus in Ford speak) was born. The car was based on the two-door Cortina. In addition to the fitting of the 105bhp 1558cc twin-cam engine, the changes included: a close-ratio gearbox, shorter front suspension struts and trailing arms and coil springs with 'A' bracket at the rear. Wider 5.5J steel wheels were added and lightweight aluminium panels were used for the doors, bonnet and boot. The cars also received front quarter bumpers and Lotus badges were fitted to the rear wings and right side of the radiator grille. Interior amendments included: a new centre-console to house the remote control gear lever, different seats and facia and a wood-rim steering wheel. All cars built at the Lotus factory were finished in white with distinctive green side stripes. The MKI model was made until 1966, during which time the most significant upgrades included the adoption of Ford's new 'Airflow' ventilation system and the replacement of the troublesome 'A' bracket rear suspension with leaf springs and radius arms. Homologation was granted in September '63 and the cars immediately showed their potential. The following season Jim Clark won the British Saloon Car Championship in one and countless other laurels were accumulated in both racing and rallying.
The reportedly 'matching numbers', early 1965 example offered was the subject of much investment some 10 years ago. The work is understood to have included a bare metal respray, a professionally assembled 140bhp engine, refurbished gearbox and brakes and new clutch and propshaft. The suspension was re-honed by renowned experts Leda. Interior fettling included new carpets, door panels and Motolita wood-rim steering wheel. Originally an 'A' bracket car, BJO 906C's rear suspension has been converted to leaf springs. An apparently genuine, low mileage, three-owner car, the Lotus has spent much of its latter life in dry storage. It therefore represents a rare opportunity for fans of this iconic Ford model.
Registration No: BJO906C
Chassis No: BA85E59171
Mot Expiry: None
Ford were looking to race the MkI Cortina in the Group 2 category, for which 1,000 'homologation specials' would be required. The obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the ubiquitous Ford 'Kent' engine that Lotus genius Colin Chapman had already developed for use in the Elan. A deal was struck and the Lotus Cortina (or Cortina Lotus in Ford speak) was born. The car was based on the two-door Cortina. In addition to the fitting of the 105bhp 1558cc twin-cam engine, the changes included: a close-ratio gearbox, shorter front suspension struts and trailing arms and coil springs with 'A' bracket at the rear. Wider 5.5J steel wheels were added and lightweight aluminium panels were used for the doors, bonnet and boot. The cars also received front quarter bumpers and Lotus badges were fitted to the rear wings and right side of the radiator grille. Interior amendments included: a new centre-console to house the remote control gear lever, different seats and facia and a wood-rim steering wheel. All cars built at the Lotus factory were finished in white with distinctive green side stripes. The MKI model was made until 1966, during which time the most significant upgrades included the adoption of Ford's new 'Airflow' ventilation system and the replacement of the troublesome 'A' bracket rear suspension with leaf springs and radius arms. Homologation was granted in September '63 and the cars immediately showed their potential. The following season Jim Clark won the British Saloon Car Championship in one and countless other laurels were accumulated in both racing and rallying.
The reportedly 'matching numbers', early 1965 example offered was the subject of much investment some 10 years ago. The work is understood to have included a bare metal respray, a professionally assembled 140bhp engine, refurbished gearbox and brakes and new clutch and propshaft. The suspension was re-honed by renowned experts Leda. Interior fettling included new carpets, door panels and Motolita wood-rim steering wheel. Originally an 'A' bracket car, BJO 906C's rear suspension has been converted to leaf springs. An apparently genuine, low mileage, three-owner car, the Lotus has spent much of its latter life in dry storage. It therefore represents a rare opportunity for fans of this iconic Ford model.
Auction: Stoneleigh Park, 13th Mar, 2010
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