1965 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk I

The engine that would ultimately power the legendary Lotus Cortina began its life in 1961 when Colin Chapman commissioned a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent unit and bored it out to give 1,558cc. Whilst the it was still being developed, Ford asked Chapman to fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 homologation. Chapman accepted the challenge and the Ford Lotus Cortina was born. Ford supplied the bodyshells, whilst Lotus handled the mechanical and cosmetic changes. The model was to dominate saloon car racing for the Ford factory as it evolved throughout the 1960s and was driven by many stars of the day, including the legendary Jim Clark. In total, approximately 3,000 Lotus Cortinas were manufactured.

This stunning 1965 Lotus Cortina was delivered new on 1st June 1965 to the UK and is a highly desirable A-Frame example, complete with deeper factory hump in the floor to accommodate the differential. A letter from the Lotus Cortina Register confirms that ELW 522C was inspected in 2009 and found to be a genuine Lotus Cortina with the correct chassis and registration number. This car is very well-known to the Lotus Cortina club as it used to be the pride and joy of the ex-chairman of the Mk I Ford Cortina Club, Mike Pratt.

The car has a superb and detailed history file that documents previous owners and gives a real sense of this Lotus Cortina's privileged life. Original letters and documents confirm the details of just 5 previous owners. In addition, a copy of "Thoroughbred & Classic Cars' from October 1988 documents the 4-year marathon rebuild carried out by Mr. Pratt during the mid-1980s. A large number of invoices and pictures show the car from a complete shell to the gleaming finished article during this complete restoration. A rare original Lotus Cortina owner's handbook and a letter from Lotus customer service department accompany the car.

The current owner bought ELW 522C in 2009 and soon set about reconditioning the car to a high standard. In May 2012 the car was stripped of all its trim, windows, badges and bumpers. The sills, inner and outer arches, and door skins were replaced and the whole car was treated to 3 coats of primer and 3 coats of Ford Ermine White. A USB memory card contains a large number of pictures and a video of the most recent work.

Today the car is presented in lovely condition. The panel fit is very good, the paintwork retains a good shine and the interior is beautifully original and includes a period Lotus Cortina steering wheel. The boot section is very tidy and comes complete with correct spare wheel, extremely rare original Lotus Cortina jack and period style tools. The engine bay is very tidy and the car starts and drives without fuss.

This car has been cherished by true Lotus Cortina enthusiasts who have all gone to great lengths to ensure that only original parts were used during both restorations. We welcome all pre-sale inspections of this stunning vehicle and the car is available for viewings by appointment prior to its delivery to Silverstone. A highly prized and increasingly hard to find A-frame Lotus Cortina road-car, that is a must for any Lotus or Ford enthusiast.