Innovative Partnerships Make For Unique Cars
1965 Lotus Cortina
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.
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.
You can see a full set of photos and all details here on our site - https://www.nweuro.com/1965-ford-lotus-cortina
Please give us a call to talk about this one, or anything else in our inventory - We look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
Jason and Hans
Jason Harris
+1-206-355-7727
Hans Wurl
+1-425-417-5877
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