• Year of manufacture 
    1963
  • Car type 
    Saloon
  • Chassis number 
    Z74C066086J
  • Lot number 
    30
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Restored
  • Interior colour 
    Black
  • Number of doors 
    2
  • Location
    France
  • Exterior colour 
    White
  • Gearbox 
    Manual
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

French registration

New engine
Mythical sports car
Eligible for major historic events

In the early 1960s, Colin Chapman opted for a Ford engine for his new little sports car, the Lotus Elan. He chose the Kent engine, which increased its displacement from 997 to 1558cc, giving it 106hp. In 1962, Ford unveiled the Cortina and decided to add this new engine to the Cortina in order to participate in the Touring Car Championship, a competition in vogue in England at the time, where Jaguar and Alfa Romeo fought hard. 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 the handling was improved by replacing the rear axle, suspension and braking system. The car will finally be lightened to 775 kg. With its 106 hp and light weight, it was really effective. 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, around 3300 units of the Cortina Lotus MK1 were produced.

The car 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 fully raced in order to participate in historic competitions. It is now in its original configuration with an Ermine White colour combined with Sherwood Green stripes. The bodywork has recently been repainted. The car is accompanied by its FIA pass established in 2007, which notably enabled it to take part 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 handbrake. 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 cost of nearly €9,000. Following this work, a test run demonstrated a power output 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.

This car will be sold by auction by AGUTTES Auction House, in Paris, France, on March the 21th, 2021.
The digital catalog and information about health situation will be updated on our website.
https://www.aguttes.com/catalogue/111255
Please contact us for any further details.
[email protected] / +33 147 459 301


Aguttes
164 bis, avenue Charles de Gaulle
Neuilly-sur-Seine
92200Neuilly-sur-Seine
France
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Gautier
Last name 
Rossignol

Phone 
+33-147459301
Fax 
+33-147455431
Mobile phone 
+33-616914228