1969 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2 *Sold £25,000*

Description

• Twin cam engine 
• 33,871 miles  
• Engine replaced at 18,000 miles 
• History File 
• Twice part of a collection 

From the moment the twin-cam Lotus engine crackles into life, you know this is going to be an experience. The Mk2 Lotus Cortina. 

For many, this was the first fast Ford. With its twin cam engine, motorsport pedigree and affordable pricing, it set the template for the blue oval’s future high-performance models. 

History 

After the phenomenal success of the Cortina Mk1, Ford asked Lotus to work their magic on the Cortina Mk2. However, they also wanted to change a few things: this time, the new Lotus Cortina would be built by Ford themselves in Dagenham alongside the Mk2 GT. Ford were aiming for higher production levels and wanted to create a product that was easier to live with than the Mk1.  

Ford asked Lotus engineering boffins Henry Taylor and Bill Meade to do their thing. In mid-1966, Ford lent two Mk2 GT prototypes to Lotus and the legend began to take shape. 

• This car was first registered on 1 Jan 1969 
• RHD UK spec Lotus Cortina 
• In Jun 2011 the Cortina went to Sweden, forming part of a private collection that included other classic Fords like a Cortina Mk2 GT 
• Our vendor was told by his best friend in Sweden that the car might be for sale – after some patience it was purchased in July 2017 (to add to his collection) 
• It returned to the UK and was registered with its original registration, CRK 789H 

Outside 

Our vendor tells us: 

“CRK 789H presents very well in white with the green sash and Lotus badges. The history file indicates that the car has had restoration work in 1981 and 1999. It’s current condition is very good – the paintwork is to a high standard with a few stone chips and limited bubbling, such as on the windscreen pillars and sills. Front and rear valances are in good order with no rust.  

Chrome work is in good condition and not rusty – the rear bumper has a couple of small dents. The engine bay is very tidy and free of rust, including the bonnet underside. Underneath, the Lotus Cortina is very solid as are the inner wheel arches. All four alloy wheels are in very good condition and the tyres are good (Yokohama). The spare wheel has just had a replacement tyre. 

Security was a concern of one of the previous owners as mortice deadlocks were professionally installed to each door by SIMBA Security Systems Ltd in February 1981 (the invoice is on file). ” 

That Lotus colour combo is brilliant. You’ll see from the images that the Lotus does look good. As the vendor has pointed out, 20 years on from the last tidy-up, signs can be detected. The odd sign of flaking paint etc. The purists will pick holes. The rest of us will just stand and stare with our jaws on the ground. 

The brightwork and glasswork are fine. Lights are all in good condition; the offside rear lamp has a very faint crack. Those wheels, whilst not the ‘Dog dish’ steel wheels, do not take anything away. Careful collector’s ownership and not over-restored. A rare find. 

Mechanicals 

The Mk2 Lotus Cortina used the improved 109bhp SE spec engine whilst retaining the excellent Corsair 2000E gearbox with updated 3.7 axle ratio for more relaxed high-speed work. The chassis rode an inch lower than ordinary Cortina Mk2s and the brakes profited from servo assistance. The Mk2 was the more complete and usable car.  

Motoring News (now Motorsport News) hailed the Mk2 as the best Lotus Cortina ever built. 

This is what our vendor told us; 

“Mechanically the car is in good order. Like many of these Lotus Cortinas, the engine has been changed and the car now has a 1700 engine (711M 6015 series), which was fitted at 18,147 miles. *Note – The V5 still shows the previous engine size of 1558cc*

Fortunately, there is a fairly comprehensive history file for CRK 789H. There are service, parts and repair invoices going back to 1981. Most MOT certificates from 1984 to 2011, when the car was exported to Sweden, are on file. There are copies of old V5 documents and paperwork associated with the car’s time in Sweden. The Lotus has been kept in dry storage and any work required on the car was carried out. This work includes replacing old fuel pipes, repairing the fuel sender unit, replacing old wiring and obtaining any small trim items that were missing or broken”. 

Inside 

Slide inside; it’s pure 60’s! Ahead are a set of simple white on black dials displaying engine revs and speed. Then there are a further four more gauges showing voltage, oil pressure, engine temperature and a fuel gauge.  

Once your posterior is plonked on those seats, the experience is one of surprising comfort, although some shuffling will happen before you get settled to your preferred driving position. Flick the key and listen to that twin-cam bark into life. A proper classic in every sense. 

Our vendor gives us this rare honest appraisal of the interior 

“The boot is in very nice order with a good condition carpet, original spare wheel cover. There is a jack with handle and wheel nut spanner present. This Lotus Cortina’s interior is mostly original with good condition back front and rear seats, door panels and white headlining, which does have some minor age-related stress tears by the rear quarter panels (see photos). The dash and instruments are all more than presentable although the dash does have several cracks, most probably caused by weather and age, and 3 minor holes where additional instruments were fitted. There is a Ford sports steering wheel.  

To conclude this is a quick, great sounding car in very good rather than concours condition.” 

Our view 

We don’t need to tell you what a classic we have here, do we? It thoroughly deserves its space on the podium of great classic cars. If you’re enthusiasts like us, you’re probably head over heels in love already. 

If you want one to drive and enjoy, this is it. Equally, if you want to ‘show’ then this Mk2 Lotus Cortina is 95% there already.  

Whatever your plans are, this works. Classic cars like this seldom come to market. They usually pass hand-to-hand between collectors. Oh wait, this is what happened to this one! You’ll kick yourself if you miss this.  

Good luck! Please remember, our site uses anti-sniping software which ensures fairness to all bidders. So, if a bid for a lot is received in the last minute, the auction will go into a 2-minute overtime period for each subsequent bid.

Vehicle Location: Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Lotus Cortina? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at team@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

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