1965 Ford Cortina Lotus Mk1

• An original A-frame car built in May 1965. Its first owner was Mr Joe N Dyer of Los Altos, California
• He appears to have kept the car until 1981/1982, then registered to John Lynch of Millbrae, California
• Commenced an 8-stage refurbishment in 2013 by VDM Restorations Rangiora, South Island, New Zealand
• This process was documented and invoiced ($11,000 NZ) with the focus on retaining originality
• Very encouraging recent inspection by marque specialist Andy Middlehurst with a 'glowing' report
• This is a rare Dagenham-built, pre-airflow car that has remained substantially original. Prior to the sale, will have an oil/filter service with fresh fluids and be MOT'd and road tested

The Lotus Cortina came into being because of Ford's decision to step up their Motorsport involvement in the early 1960's. 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.

This early Lotus Cortina has recently (June 2019) been inspected by acknowledged marque specialist, Andy Middlehurst, and the full report will be supplied with the car. He confirms that this is a Dagenham built very early 'Airflow' car that has some of the features of the 'pre-airflow' cars. The report is very encouraging so it's probably better to list a few of the relevant points.

• The car is fitted with A-bracket rear suspension which is all original apart from the shocks
• No anti-tramp brackets confirming it was an A-bracket car
• The car has all steel panels. The boot hump is correct and original
• Correct quarter bumpers and late rear bumper. Front wings plenished as per production
• Chassis plate and Lotus production plate are both original
• Front seats, door trims, rear seat, steering wheel, instruments and gear knob all correct for 1965
• Correct early engine, original carbs, airbox and servo

The report lists one or two minor items that have been replaced over the years and mentions that the green stripe is not the right shade (should be Sherwood Green) but concludes