1968 | Ford Lotus Cortina

Lot details

Year: 1968
Make: Ford
Model: Lotus Cortina Mk. II
Registration: MHE 784F
Chassis No: BA91GM58490
Engine No: GM58490
Mileage: 60,302
•: Subject of an older restoration
•: New wheels and tyres recently fitted

The history of the Lotus Cortina began in 1961 after Colin Chapman decided he wanted to build his own engines for Lotus. His chance came when he commissioned Harry Mundy to design a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine. The engine's first appearance was in 1962 at the Nürburgring in a Lotus 23 driven by Jim Clark. Immediately after and almost as soon as the engine appeared in the Lotus Elan, it was recalled and replaced with a larger capacity unit to get the car closer to the 1.6 litre capacity class in motorsport. Ford wanted to change a few things for the Mk. II; the Mk. I had done everything and more than they could expect in competition, but the public linked its competition wins with Lotus and its bad points with Ford. Ford still wanted to build a Mk. II Lotus and compete with it, but Lotus were moving from Cheshunt to Hethel so it was a bad time for them to build another model. So a decision was made at Ford that to continue with its competition drive and make the car more cost effective, they would make the car at Dagenham themselves alongside the other Cortinas. The Mk. II took a while to appear, first appearing in 1967. The main difference was the choice of colours and the lack of a stripe; the only cosmetic changes made were a black front grille, 5.5J x 13 steel wheels and Lotus badges on rear wings and by the rear number plate. The badge on the front grille was an option at first. The Mk. II Lotus Cortinas also gained an improved and more powerful 109bhp engine, the gearbox ratios remained 2000E ones but the car now used the Mk. II GT remote-control gearchange. The car also had a different final drive of 3.77:1 rather than 3.9:1. Another attraction was the larger fuel tank, the spare wheel could now be mounted in its wheel well and the battery remained in the boot to aid weight distribution.

This Lotus Cortina was originally supplied by The Garage (Barnsley) Ltd and was first registered on 12th January 1968. It was restored a number of years ago and is still in good all-round condition today. The vendor during his stewardship has replaced the wheels and tyres and has enjoyed fettling the car. The engine runs well and the gearbox operates as it should. The Ermine White paintwork is in good condition as is the black trim. This example has the more comfortable bucket seats fitted, whilst retaining the correct material. An alternator has been fitted for improved charging and reliability. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a very good history file with invoices dating back to 1974. The mileage of 60,302 could well be correct, although this is not warranted. This is a much more refined car than the Mk. I and thus more useable and friendly yet still fast and reliable. Consigned by Stewart Banks.