1965 Ford Lotus Cortina MkI

Registration No: KPU 103C
Chassis No: BA74EM59102
MOT: Exempt

• Finished in traditional Ermine White with Green side flash, trimmed in Black
• Restored to fast road/ classic rally specification in c.2005 by Eddie Ganderton
• Carrying the iconic 'KPU' registration prefix
• Potentially all, or part of a donor shell may have been used to restore the Ford

In 1963 Ford was looking to race the two-door MkI Cortina in Group 2, for which the obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the 'Kent' engine Colin Chapman had already developed for use in the Elan - the Lotus Cortina was born. In addition to the 105bhp 1558cc 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, lightweight aluminium panels used for the doors, bonnet and boot and quarter bumpers added to the front. Interior amendments included: a new centre-console for the remote control gear lever, different seats and facia, and a wood-rim steering wheel. 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.

This 1965 MkI Lotus Cortina, is a right-hand drive example that was restored by marque specialist Eddie Ganderton with extensive details in the accompanying history file. It was to fast road/rally specification in c. 2005. 'KPU 103C' is finished in the traditional Lotus Cortina livery of Ermine White with Green side flash and trimmed in Black, with less than 1,000 miles since an extensive bare-shell restoration. It’s understood that the engine includes a correct 4-bolt crank with matching head and block numbers, fully balanced, gas flowed and ported. It also features a period Magard double throttle linkage on Weber 40 DCOE 18s, a 2-inch exhaust with a competition manifold, two Facet fuel pumps in the boot, and Aeroquip fuel lines. This setup is complemented by a competition clutch, 2000E ratios, an original alloy bell-housing and genuine Lotus half shafts which is in keeping with the works rally cars. Also fitted with guniune Lotus rear leaf springs and wedges and mated to a one piece propshaft. The suspension includes adjustable struts and rear Bilstein dampers. Final period touches to this fast road/rally car include a working period Halda, fixed-back front seats and an aircraft clock of the type fitted to Sabre fighter jets of the era.

As is often the case with restored 60-year old cars, it's possible that all, or part of, a donor shell may have been used to restore this car at some time. Originally leaving the Dagenham factory with the 'DCK 231C' moniker, today, it wears registration ‘KPU 103C’ since the c.2005 restoration, making the whole package distinctly evocative. 'KPU' registrations became synonymous with competition Fords and the restoration of this car celebrates and replicates the most famous competition Lotus Cortinas, amongst them Colin Chapman's Lotus Cortina road car 'KPU 396C’, which was also raced by Jim Clark and Roger Clark's rally car 'KPU 383C'. In the last 3 months, the Cortina has had a full service, new plugs, new antifreeze, new oil all round, new battery, plus new tyres.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760