1963 Ford Lotus Cortina FIA Race Car

A well-known example that has enjoyed a long competitive racing career

New-style current FIA Historic Technical Passport valid until 31/12/24

Detailed build spec on our website

Constantly developed to ensure it remains competitive and maintained regardless of cost

A large quantity of spares (list available)

The Lotus Cortina came into being because of Ford's decision to step up their motorsport involvement in the early 1960s. Their Head of UK Public Relations, Walter Hayes spoke to Colin Chapman, asking him to come up with a competitive saloon, using the Cortina as a base, that could be produced in sufficient numbers to satisfy the mandatory 'Group 2' homologation requirements, and with which the Blue Oval could beat all comers. The solution was to take Ford's bullet-proof 1500 Kent engine, fit it with a twin-cam cylinder head, pop it into a stiffened Cortina shell, sort out the suspension and brakes and paint a green stripe down the side. The cars would be built by Lotus at its plant in Cheshunt and marketed through their dealer network as the Ford Cortina Lotus. Once fully developed, the Lotus Cortinas (as they quickly became known) absolutely shone on track driven by household names including Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, Jackie Ickx, Roger Clark and many, many more.

This particular Lotus Cortina is a well-known example that has enjoyed a long competitive racing career. It was professionally built and developed in 2004 from a correct genuine early 'A-frame' Lotus Cortina and was campaigned for two years in the FIA Historic Touring Car Series before being purchased by our vendor. During its long racing career, the car has been under constant development to ensure it remains competitive and has been maintained regardless of cost. International outings have been rewarded with some great results including a visit to Spa Francorchamps in 2016 when this rapid Lotus charted a 3:07 lap in qualifying and placed 11th overall amongst its peers in the main race.

The build spec is too long to list here but includes all alloy panels, magnesium wheels, a Quaiffe straight-cut gearbox with steel synchro, 4.4cwp with a Tranex limited slip differential in a strengthened back axle with uprated half shafts, and 'A-bracket' rear suspension. The engine was built by Nick Stagg and has completed just 650 miles since its last rebuild.

In possession of a new-style current FIA Historic Technical Passport valid until 31/12/24 it's also accompanied by a number of invoices for engine work, some older 'dyno' sheets, and pleasingly, its original 'Buff ' Log Book confirming it to be a genuine early Lotus Cortina.The car also comes complete with a wealth of spares, again too long to detail here, but feel free to contact Silverstone Auctions to obtain a full list.

This lovely example presents a fantastic opportunity to be in thick of it on one of the most competitive and well-supported grids in historic motorsport at an approachable cost.

NB.The registration number in the photographs does not form part of the sale. The vehicle is currently registered as BAW 433A.