1967 Ford Lotus Cortina MkI

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

First registered March 1967, KDD 400E is an example of one of the very last MkI Lotus Cortinas since production ceased in April 1967. Purchased by our vendor in 1973 the car has been in single ownership for the past 40 years.

The lower section of the car was repainted in 1968 and at time of purchase the speedo was replaced with the previous one showing approximately 27,000 miles, the replacement speedo is now showing just 25,000 miles, many previous MOTs supporting this mileage. The car, we are told, has remained largely original since then with running repairs being undertaken throughout its life to keep it road worthy and running.

Used regularly following our vendors purchase in 1973 it was taken off the road in 1979 to have the engine overhauled with a re-bore of 60 thou and at the same time the front top struts were plated. It was not until 1989 that the car was put back on the road and used again before being dry stored from 1994 - 1997. It was used sparingly until family commitments meant the car was laid to rest for a third time in 2001. When in dry storage the car was regularly turned over and the oil was replaced to make sure it did not mechanically deteriorate. It did not emerge from hibernation until this year and it was then re-commissioned to make it road worthy again. The brakes where overhauled with new calipers and a repair was made to the right jacking point to enable it to pass its current MOT.

Inside it is fantastically original and well preserved with the seats showing no signs of tearing. An original factory inspection ticket was even found under the carpet in the driver's foot well.

Presented with Tax and MoT until May 2014 the car is once again in roadworthy condition, however it is now showing signs of its age and is cosmetically wanting, due to various years and periods of dry storage. The original paintwork is starting to look flat and the lower section that was repainted in 1968 has started to fade.