1964 Ford Lotus Cortina FIA/HTP Appx K Race Car

The Cortina began in 1961, when Colin Chapman commissioned a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine, bored to give 1,558cc. Whilst the engine was being developed, Ford asked Chapman to fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 homologation. Chapman accepted and the Cortina was born. Ford supplied the bodyshells, whilst Lotus handled the mechanical and cosmetic changes. This involved installing the 105 bhp 1,558cc engine, together with a close-ratio gearbox. The rear suspension was altered and lightweight alloy panels were used, along with lightweight casings fitted to the gearbox and differential. The model was to dominate saloon car racing for the Ford factory as it evolved throughout the 1960s driven by many stars of the day, including the legendary Jim Clark.

Available here is undoubtedly one of the most competitive race Lotus Cortinas in Europe, front running and highly competitive from a well known BRDC member's private racing collection; the car has been consistently on the podium for many years in FIA and U2TC races with the latest result second at Silverstone Classic in 2011.

The complete history of this FIA Lotus Cortina is known from 21-2-1964 when first registered in Vercelli Italy, to racer Giancarlo 'Mici' Giordano. Sergio Piana became the second in 1967. Mario Fren was the third owner from 1968 for an additional twenty-two years.

Unlike many others racing today, this car has genuine period racing history and throughout its 48 years has benefited from the latest upgrades available. From 2000 to present day our vendor has been responsible for the maintaining and the evolution of this Cortina into a recognised front-runner and race winner. This competitiveness has not been achieved at the expense of originality.

The engine has recently been refreshed by Competition Engine Services (179 BHP). Constant input from the likes of Wolfe Motorsport has ensured optimum set-up which includes an 'in date' fuel cell and importantly is able to meet the minimum homologated weight limit of 750 Kilos.

This FIA Lotus Cortina is a truly fantastic example and represents the pinnacle of Historic Touring Car racing. The car is eligible for all of the touring car series for example the U2TC and Masters series, together with an enviable provenance.