1,558cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Weber 40DCOE Carburetors
Approximately 180bhp at 5,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes


*Great patina, largely original
*Original California Black-plate
*Mechanically rebuilt in 2011
*Engine modified by Lotus twin-cam expert Dave Veagher
*Supplied with owner's manual


THE LOTUS CORTINA

Ford of England produced an amazing 2.6 million Cortinas between 1962 and 1982; nearly all of them for the home market, and Cortinas became Britain's best-selling automobile between 1972 and 1981. None of those little Fords, however, may be more famous than then one that dove down the Olympic bobsled run at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, in 1963, with racing star Jimmy Clark at the wheel. That publicity stunt certainly put the Ford Cortina Lotus, to use its correct name, on the map.

This little pocket rocket came about when Lotus founder Colin Chapman began looking about for an engine to replace the venerable but expensive SOHC Coventry Climax. The solution was provided by Climax designer Harry Mundy, who came up with a neat little twin-cam head for the Ford Kent 1.5-liter four-cylinder motor. Enlarged to 1600cc for the Lotus Elan, the motor so impressed Ford executive Walter Hayes that he asked Chapman if he could outfit 1000 small two-door Ford saloons with the new engine in order to homologate the model for Group 2 racing. With the addition of lightweight body panels and lighter transmission and differential cases, close-ratio gearing, Girling front disc brakes, an extensively modified suspension, the Lotus Cortina was soon dominating Group 2 competition. Soon, the Lotus Cortina was available virtually world-wide.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This example is believed to have been sold new in Los Angeles in 1967 after serving more than a year as a factory demonstrator. It passed through several owners and eventually was acquired by Tony Hart at Bonham's Quail auction in 2011. Soon afterward, renowned Lotus expert Dave Veagher at Veloce Motorsports West in Petaluma, California overhauled the car's engine. With new Weber carburetors and a Pertronix ignition, it was carefully massaged to develop about 180hp and 143 foot-pounds of torque on pump gas (dyno sheets are included with the car). The next year, Veagher rebuilt the rest of the drivetrain, suspension, and brakes. The instruments have been reconditioned, and the front seats reupholstered. The next owner of this delightful little Lotus Cortina can enjoy it as is, prepare it for vintage racing, or restore it for show.