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Lotus Cortina MkI Mk1 Race Car 1965

General description : A race-prepared Mk1 Lotus Cortina, with excellent provenance.

MODEL HISTORY

Back in 1961, Colin Chapman commissioned a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine, bored to give 1,558cc. Whilst the engine was being developed, Ford asked Chapman to fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 homologation. Chapman accepted and the Lotus Cortina was born. Ford supplied the bodyshells, whilst Lotus handled the mechanical and cosmetic changes. This involved installing the 105 bhp 1,558cc engine, together with a close-ratio gearbox. The rear suspension was altered and lightweight alloy bonnet, door and boot panels were used, along with lightweight casings fitted to the gearbox and differential. The model was to dominate saloon car racing for the Ford factory as it evolved throughout the 1960s driven by many stars of the day, including the legendary Jim Clark.
 

By 1965 the Cortina was winning regularly in the hands of Alan Mann Racing, Sir John Whoitmore who dominated and won the European Touring Car Championship in KPU-392C, Jack Sears won his class in the British Saloon Car Championship, Jackie Ickx won the Belgian Saloon Car Championship, and a Cortina Lotus won the New Zealand Gold Star Saloon Car Championship. Other wins were the Nürburgring Six-Hour race, the Swedish National Track Championship, and the Snetterton 500.

Equipment

MSA historical passport, Towing eye, Bonnet pins, Cobra Evolution bucket seat, Luke 4-point safety harness, Fire extinguisher, Alloy panels, Moto-lita steering wheel.

EXTERIOR

The classic lines of this Mk1 Cortina look fantastic set against our studio, presented with the iconic ‘Lotus factory car' Ermine white paintwork and Sherwood green stripe colour combination. Having been used on track in various well known race events over the years the car's shell and paintwork present with a certain ‘competition car' patina. However, this does not detract from the car's overall good appearance. There are no major rust issues to be found, and all the alloy panels are still present and correct.
 

VIN No: BA74EG59563

INTERIOR

The sparse interior space is unashamedly race spec. Once you step through the cage you are firmly seated in the Cobra Evolution bucket seat, a tight but supportive space held in by the Luke 4-point safety harness. A charming Moto-lita steering wheel has been fitted and for weight saving purposes the passenger seat has been removed; in its place a lightweight racing battery has been fitted, along with a fire extinguisher in the footwell.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The Cortina is equipped with the original 1558cc DOHC inline-4 power plant. This Lotus/Ford engine is equipped with twin Weber carburettors, electrical fuel pump, and a wet sump. The four-speed synchromesh gearbox feels tight and precise to operate throughout the gears and rev range.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The Cortina sits on 13-inch minilite style alloy wheels finished in silver, which although not perfect are in good order. The wheels are shod in a matching set of period Dunlop racing tyres with plenty of tread remaining.

HISTORY FILE

This Lotus Cortina was produced in August 1965 at the Dagenham factory. Within the history file is a historic FIA technical passport dated September 1990, showing various technical photos and details of the car from that period. There is also a more recent MSA technical passport to be found dated July 2008 for FIA class: CT8, period: F - 1962 to 1965. An engine data print out is available and shows the engines maximum output as an impressive 162hp.
 

Between the years 2006 - 2009 the car was driven by Mr Richard Lawson in such events as Grand Prix De L' Age, Dijon - Knock hill - Spa 6 hours. There are many lap charts and engine test sheets detailing this period with session times and race results.
 

This one of just 3,306 Mk1 Lotus Cortina's produced between 1963 and 1966.

http://www.4starclassics.com/lotus-cortina-mk1-race-car-for-sale/

1965 Lotus Cortina MkI Mk1 Race Car is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £54995.

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