1963 Ford Lotus Cortina

Lot details
Registration No: 442 SJH
Chassis No: Z74C061186E
Mot Expiry: June 2018

- Quite possibly the earliest example on the road

- Current ownership for the past twenty-four years and treated to an extensive, decade-long restoration

- Runner-up at the Lotus Cortina national rally, Stratford-upon-Avon, 2017

The Lotus Cortina is one of the most iconic of all fast Ford's, but good original specification ones are becoming ever-harder to find, which is what makes this particular pre-Airflow specimen particularly interesting. First registered in June 1963, it is believed to have been supplied ex-Cheshunt and is quite possibly the earliest example on the road. The subject of an extensive restoration over a 10 year period, '442 SJH' has remained within the same ownership for the last 24 years and features the correct period parts for a 1963 model, including: alloy bell housing, differential casing and body panels; A-frame rear suspension; and Black vinyl interior trim. The Lotus was runner-up at the Lotus Cortina national rally, Stratford-upon-Avon, 2017, and the vendor presently regards the bodywork, period correct White and Green paintwork, interior trim, 1558cc twin-cam engine and four-speed gearbox as all being in 'excellent' order. The car comes with original buff logbook and MOT to June 19th.

Ford wished to race the MkI Cortina in Group 2, for which 1,000 'homologation specials' would be required. The obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the 'Kent' engine that Lotus's Colin Chapman developed for the Elan. A deal was struck and the Lotus Cortina was born. Homologation was granted in September '63 and the cars immediately showed 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. In addition to the aforementioned, the uprated specification included: close-ratio gearbox, shorter front suspension struts; trailing arms and coil springs with 'A' bracket at the rear; 5.5J steel wheels; front quarter bumpers; Lotus badges on the rear wings and right side of the radiator grille; new centre-console to house the remote control gear lever; different seats and facia; and a wood-rim steering wheel.