1965 Lotus Cortina MK I
-
Year of manufacture1965
-
Car typeCoupé
-
DriveLHD
-
ConditionUsed
-
Exterior brand colourWhite
-
Interior colourOther
-
Location
-
Exterior colourOther
-
GearboxManual
-
Drivetrain2wd
-
Fuel typePetrol
Description
Ford's 1960s profile-raising competition program included recruiting Lotus boss Colin Chapman to give the new Cortina a sporting makeover. Chapman's brief was to develop a Group 2 competition version; Lotus would then build the 1,000 cars required for homologation. Launched in 1963, the Lotus Cortina - Cortina Lotus in Ford parlance - featured the Elan's Ford-based, twin-overhead-camshaft, 1.6-liter engine in the two-door bodyshell. McPherson strut independent front suspension was retained, with revised spring and damper rates, while the rear leaf springs were replaced by coil-spring/damper units, axle location being achieved by trailing arms and an 'A' bracket. The adoption of an alloy differential casing proved a mixed blessing, the lightweight component proving far less oil-tight than the original. Reversion to Ford's standard leaf-sprung axle cured the problem. Lotus Cortinas dominated saloon racing's 2-liter class, often challenging for outright honors. Works cars were driven by J