1966 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1

First registered on 7th of October 1966, this handsome Lotus Cortina was purchased by our vendor's late husband around 2010 and registered to our vendor since 2022. Within the history is a signed vehicle valuation letter from the Lotus Cortina Register dated 6th August 2008 confirming that the car was formerly restored by Lotus Cortina specialist, Bryan Moorcroft of Nailsea Services of Bristol, with 'no expense spared' in its refurbishment. The vehicle was restored over a five year period in the late 1990s and the work included;

'The body refurbishment required a complete new floor including the boot area, both inner and outer front wings, new chassis rails plus outriggers and jacking points. The doors were stripped and new metal let in where required. The bodywork was then fully stripped back to bare metal where new metal was also let in and repainted both inside and out. The mechanical parts were removed stripped and overhauled. Fortunately, no major work was required and all components were returned to factory standards. Only new carburettors were found to be needed. The engine was entrusted to Nick Stagg Engineering, also of Bristol, a well-respected expert in engine preparation who totally rebuilt the internals again returning it to original specification. New carpets, headlining and re-upholstery of the seats completed the interior as the original door cards, rear panels and dash were retained. All brightwork was then renewed or fully treated and re-chromed to the highest standards.'

Whilst there is no written history confirming this detail, there are 25 colour photographs in the file showing the car at various stages of restoration. Also in the file are several magazine/press features about the car including a Classic Car Weekly colour quarter page advert/article 'Up for Grabs' where the car is being advertised in August 2010 by JC Historic Vehicle Sales Ltd with a colour photo and an article by Neil Godwin-Stubbert which reads 'An Original Ford Press vehicle, it benefited from an extensive full restoration and an uprated engine in 1999 before being stored until 2005' The article in Classic Car Weekly (written in 2010) goes on to say during the last section under the title, Should I buy it? 'Everyone seems to want one of these, with the car producing genuine affection among other drivers. It's iconic and desirable, especially given its provenance and the full restoration and great engine means you could use it for years to come without worrying. It may seem at the top end of the price bracket for a road car, but consider building one for this price and then it makes perfect sense'.

Prior to Classic Car Weekly's interest, this little Lotus took the eye of Classic Ford magazine (August 1998) with a front cover and a five page colour article about the car and a previous owner and subsequently attracted the attention of Classic Ford in June 2006 with a six page colour article about Lotus Cortinas in general.

There is also some text or print-off in the history file that mentions J C Historic vehicles sales stating that this vehicle was originally registered by Ford, possibly as a press car or management vehicle, however we can not confirm any of this as there is nothing in the file. Might be worth exploring and the research would be fun. All of the above is available to view and inspect in detail at our auction. A set of Minilites previously fitted will be supplied with the car as will the original front seats.

We think this car's excellent condition speaks for itself, however, with limited documented history, we invite and encourage your inspection at our Silverstone Festival Sale.