1969 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2 *Sold £27,700*

Description

• One former keeper
• Genuine mileage
• Dry stored for a number of years
• Refurbished in the 1990s

The Mk2 Lotus twin cam needs no introduction, does it? You barely have to mention the words Lotus Cortina to stir the emotions of many enthusiasts of a certain age. These had a status like no other car.

Background and history

The Mk2 Lotus Cortina was a continuation of what Ford had been doing with the Mk1 Lotus Cortina.

When the A-frame rear suspension was dropped on the Mk1 Lotus Cortina in favour of the more reliable leaf spring set up, Ford’s competition team based at Boreham in Essex stepped in bringing their rally experience to make the Mk1 Lotus Cortina a world beater.

When the Mk2 Cortina arrived, and thoughts turned to a Lotus version, Ford management decided to take the development in-house. The brief was simple; the Mk2 Lotus Cortina had to retain its pedigree but also deliver a reliable road going car such as Ford had built its reputation on. That is exactly what they did.

• Our vendor has known this car virtually from new
• His good friend, Mac, had this Mk2 Lotus Cortina as his company car
• Mac then bought the Lotus for himself when he was offered a new company car
• Despite many offers over many years, Mac refused to sell his car. The current owner himself had many offers declined over time.
• One evening, Mac called on the current vendor to advise that he was emigrating. Despite exhaustive research, it was not viable to export both his vehicles across with him, so Mac asked our vendor to dispose of both vehicles
• Our vendor has owned the car for 25 years
• For around 6/7 years it was looked after but stored
• A refurbishment was undertaken in the 1990s by the previous owner before Roger owned the Cortina

Mechanicals

Flick the key and bring the twin-cam Lotus engine to life. It’s rorty, vocal, revving instantly as you blip the throttle. You know this is going to be an experience.

To put things into perspective, the most powerful Cortina at the time was the GT with 78bhp. The Lotus developed 108bh. This was formidable performance. 60mph arrives in less than ten seconds and top speed 110mph.

• 1600cc five bearing engine
• With an alloy double overhead cam head
• Twin 40 DCOE Webers
• The suspension was stiffened and lowered by an inch
• Four speed 2000E gearbox with a higher ratio of 3:7 to help higher speed journeys
• Front disc brakes
• Rear drum brakes
• Supported by a Girling servo mounted on the left side of the engine

The engine bay is clean and tidy. Those Webers now breathe through trumpets rather than that huge suffocating air box resembling an exhaust silencer.

Our vendor says “The carbs may look a little untidy, but the Lotus runs and drives well”

Mounting the higher spec servo meant mounting the battery in the boot area, as they did on the Mk1 Cortina.

Exterior

Around 4,000 Mk2 Lotus Cortinas were produced. It is reported that over 80% were Ermine White with the Dealer fitted option of the green flash. Less than 10% were produced in ‘Red II 65’ (BN paint code) like this one.

Ford used the heavy-duty GT bodyshell as it base and improved it further. The Lotus had additional factory spot welds around the front suspension, extra double skins on the chassis and strengthening around the suspension, front wing areas and rear spring mounts.

The refurbishment in the 1990s is said to have mainly been cosmetic and paint work. Our vendor replaced the nearside front wing during his ownership. For consistency this was carried out by the same company that carried out the earlier paintwork. The top plates on the inner wings are good.

The Matt Black Grille was a factory option as was the full-length roof. The quarter bumpers at the front were fitted by our vendor.

Instead of flash, spoilers and body reworks like many of today’s sportier saloons, Ford downplayed the Mk2 Lotus Cortina. The subtle emblems on the rear quarters and boot lid are the only outward hint of the Lotus’s capabilities. Once it was fired up of course, we all knew exactly what this Ford was all about.

Inside

As you’d expect of a classic with this type of ownership history and mileage it is in good condition.

• Polished aluminium spoked deep dished steering wheel
• Analogue clock
• Wooden dash
• 8,000 rpm rev counter unique to the Lotus Cortina
• Door cards, seats, headlining are all in good condition

The speedo head failed at around 35,000 miles and was replaced. For transparency our vendor has the failed unit which will come with the car. Our vendor is happy to confirm c.40,000 miles is correct.

When Mac ordered this Lotus as his company car, we are told “most options were ticked”.

The Mk2 Lotus Cortina was a remarkable car in a number of ways. Not least the fact it succeeded in being two completely different cars at the same time. It was a proper race/rally car. But it doubled up as practical four-seater.

The well-designed interior reflects that. It’s airy, a genuine four-seater, with a heater and good levels of comfort. Only subtle touches give away its real under-pinnings.

Summary

• Only around 4,000 of these were produced. Less than 10% in this colour spec.
• One previous owner
• Low mileage
• Good condition
• Full background knowledge

This is the first time this Mk2 Lotus Cortina has come to market. It is difficult to over-state how rare that total package is.