HIGHLIGHTS
Winner of the 2018 Goodwood Revival St. Mary’s Trophy Driven by Touring Car Legends Steve Soper and Andy Priaulx
Specially Built by Steve Soper and Team Dynamics in the UK
Neil Brown Engineering Twin-Cam Engine with Recent Refresh
A Remarkable Build with Valid FIA HTP Papers Through 2029

OVERVIEW
Developed under an innovative partnership with Ford UK and Lotus Cars, the Lotus/Ford collaboration began in 1963 built on the Ford Cortina Mark 1 sedan. By this time, Colin Chapman and Ford were developing a twin-cam engine specifically for 1000 Ford Saloons to achieve Group 2 homologation. Suspension modifications were extensive and mechanical features further enhanced the 1880 lb. Lotus Cortina making it a formidable player in rally and road racing events. Legendary drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, and Dan Gurney all raced Lotus Cortinas in fierce competition against the Minis and Alfa Romeos of the day.

Soon after release, the Lotus Cortina became a darling against performance competitors in part because the more spacious and comfortable Lotus Cortina could be considered a “family” car without sacrificing performance. Usually finished in white with green side trim, front corner bumpers, and Lotus badges, this simple and unassuming car became something of a legend among performance minded enthusiasts. Much like Shelby would do for the Mustang, the Lotus Cortina introduced a more youthful population into the otherwise conservative Ford UK brand. Brisk sales resulted in 3,300 Mark 1 and over 4,000 Mark 2 models being produced.

Over the years, the Lotus Cortina has continued to garner ongoing validation particularly from examples that have been professionally prepared for participation in worldwide vintage motorsports events.

This professionally built Lotus Cortina was developed and constructed for Steve Soper, widely regarded as one of the best Touring Car racers of all time. Built in 2018 by Team Dynamics, five-time British Touring Car Champion (Driver’s Champion) and four-time Constructor’s Champion, the build was extensive and detailed covering every mechanical aspect to the highest standards including cosmetic finishes well beyond what is typically seen in vintage race cars. The body was fully disassembled, and the shell was acid dipped to bare metal. All new parts were sourced from the best vendors including a Neil Brown engine, gearbox with a Quaife straight cut gear kit, Quaife half-shafts, a fuel tank with inner bladder, BTB exhaust manifold and stainless-steel exhaust, mag wheels, Tillitt ultra-light carbon fiber racing seat, multi-point racing cage, and a built-in fire suppression system. Impressively lightened for competition during the comprehensive build, in order to meet racing requirements this Cortina must run with ballast weight to even the field advantage.

Completed in 2018, this Cortina was immediately victorious in four of the eight races entered including 2018 Goodwood Revival St. Mary’s Trophy Race with Steve Soper and Andy Priaulx, 2018 Donington U2TC Race, 2018 Silverstone Classics Masters Race (Class Win), and 2019 Donington HSCC Win. In 2020, after an incident that damaged the car at the Silverstone Classic, it returned to Team Dynamics for a comprehensive rebuild including freshening of the engine by Neil Brown Engineering, all of which was performed to a high standard including a test run by the former owner and Steve Soper with final mechanical sorting. Ready for events in worldwide vintage racing and classic motorsports events, this car is accompanied by FIVA HTP papers valid through 2029.

Today this purposefully built racecar has been prepared for vintage racing by expects in this field demonstrating performance capabilities proven on some of the most historically important international motorsports venues. The overall visual condition reveals a superbly prepared car finished with period correct Ermine Whitet paint over smooth body surfaces with racing livery touches. The divided paint line for the distinctive competition Cortina gold metallic is correctly executed on both sides of the car, wrapping around the rear and accentuated by distinctive round taillights. The bumpers have been deleted, but the polished grille trim, headlight rings, and Cortina hood emblem properly finish the car with a nod to the production heritage. The doors open and shut smoothly and show good panel fit as does the hood and trunk, both of which are sparsely equipped but finished to a high standard. The lighting and glass are in excellent condition, displaying correct fit to the body. The lightweight magnesium wheels are finished in dark charcoal metallic while a set pf Avon competition tires support the car at a lowered stance and slight forward rake.

The interior is clean, sparse and purposefully composed with a focus on weight savings. Lacking carpet, sound insulation, or interior trim, the interior vinyl door and rear side panels serve as a reminder of the humble Cortina production origins. The contemporary gauges and basic toggle switches are flanked by a modern Brantz Rally Timer and fire suppression button and fronted by a Lotus branded quick release steering wheel. A modern molded carbon fiber seat and roll bar anchored seat belts are fitted. The car is equipped with a full roll cage including diagonal side bracing on both door entries and the bottom mounts are welded to the floor with plate mounted footings at the front, mid, and rear portion of the floor pan. The trunk compartment has been updated with a fuel cell and internal filler. A compact package battery is secured in the trunk.

Under the hood, the Lotus-derived Neil Brown Engineering twin-cam engine displays a B.R.M. branded cast alloy cam cover, carefully sourced hardware, and mechanical refinement that further conveys the theme of this performance-minded build. Attention to detail continues from the air horn equipped dual-throat twin Weber carburetors, tuned exhaust, and beautifully finished components. The underside of the car is clean and properly finished, consistent with the build quality throughout this professionally prepared Lotus Cortina.

This capable Lotus Cortina race car benefits from professional build and ongoing mechanical attention which have been performed to impressive standards. With superb cosmetics and enthusiast preparation, this Lotus is capable of running at the head of the pack, ready for the next vintage racing enthusiast to take the wheel and challenge all formidable contenders.

Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.