1963 Ford Cortina LOTUS

Lot 30
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Estimation :
45000 - 65000 EUR
1963 Ford Cortina LOTUS
New engine Mythical sportswoman of the 60's Eligible for many competitions French car registration document Chassis No.: Z74C066086J In the early 1960s, Colin Chapman chose a Ford engine for his new little sports car, the Lotus Elan. He chose the Kent engine, which increased its displacement from 997 to 1,558 cc, giving it 106 hp. In 1962, Ford unveiled the Cortina and decided to use this new engine to compete in the Touring Car Championship, a competition that was very much in vogue in England at the time, where Jaguar and Alfa Romeo fought hard. As a result, Lotus was entrusted with the preparation of the Cortina as a race car. In addition to the new engine, the transmission was completely redesigned and handling was improved by replacing the rear suspension, suspension and braking system. The car will finally be lighter, reaching a weight of 775 kg. With its 106 hp and light weight, performance is on the agenda. The car is distinguished by its white paintwork and two green stripes on the sides. It also receives three Lotus badges on the grille and rear fenders. The Cortina Lotus was entered by Ford, Team Lotus and Alan Mann Racing and won many races: 6 Hours of Brands Hatch, Mont Ventoux Hill Climb, Safari Rally... It was upgraded in 1964 and was replaced in 1966 by the MK2. In the end about 3300 units of the Cortina Lotus MK1 will be produced. The specimen that we present is a Cortina Lotus MK1 pre-airflow Cortina Lotus MK1 which left the Dagenham factory in September 1963. It is therefore a 125 E model originally delivered in right-hand drive. This car has been entirely coursified in order to participate in historic competitions. It is now in its original configuration with an Ermine White colour combined with Sherwood Green stripes. Its body has recently been repainted. The car is accompanied by its FIA pass established in 2007 which allowed it to participate in the Historic Monte Carlo Rally in 2008, 2009 and 2010. It is equipped with four Minilite wheels, a 6-point roll bar, an ATL FT3-1999 tank, an electric fuel pump and a hydraulic hand brake. Its engine underwent a complete overhaul in 2019 in the workshops of the Garage des Damiers including the replacement of the crankshaft and connecting rods for a total amount of nearly 9000 €. Following this intervention, a bench test demonstrated a power of 121 hp. The cylinder head was rectified in 2020. The car has been driven very little since then. Its road test on the small roads of Provence was a pure delight, the engine is raging and efficient, its rises in speed after each gear change will certainly give you a lot of pleasure.
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