1968 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk.II

Following on from the enormous success of the Lotus Cortina MK1, Ford introduced the MkII in 1967 with the famous Lotus 1600 twin cam engine now giving 109bhp. Externally, all the cars had a black front grill, 5.5J x 13 steel wheels and Lotus badges on both rear wings and by the rear number plate. The gearbox ratios remained to 2000E spec, but the final drive was lengthened to 3.77 to 1 from 3.9 to 1 and comfort and handling improvements were made with a larger fuel tank and radial tyres.

This truly exceptional car has been restored by the highly regarded and very exclusive Lotus Outlaws over the period of three years. So, from the top.... The shell, which was actually in good condition, was completely dis-assembled with every panel removed until just the solid floorpan and skeleton was left. It was then carefully repaired where needed and meticulously rebuilt using entirely New Old Stock panels including bonnet and doors. These NOS panels were specially sourced and acquired over time for the project. The panels were all test-fitted to ensure perfect fit prior to removing them to be painted alongside the shell to the highest standard throughout.

Once the shell was complete the car was then painstakingly rebuilt front to back using New Old Stock parts where it was possible in a true nut and bolt restoration, making sure every component part replaced was of the correct type and style in all the precise places. Of course, the interior was also subject to the same level of detail being retrimmed in the finest leather by expert trimmers and carefully replaced in the car.

Since the completion of the restoration in June 2014 that has cost an estimated £40,000 the car hasn't even truly turned a wheel. Presented with the car is a superb history file containing photographic documentation of the restoration along with various bills and invoices for work undertaken.

The phrase "better-than-new" is often overused but we believe it certainly describes this car perfectly. This is truly a car that you would be proud to own and how long will it be before Mk.II Cortina prices close the gap on their predecessors?