Lot details
Registration No: JCO500F
Chassis No: BA91HR41424
Mot Expiry: March 2010

Introduced in March 1967, the Ford Cortina Lotus MKII shared much of the same high performance DNA as its illustrious MKI predecessor. However, by moving production in-house (rather than outsourcing it to Lotus as before), the Blue Oval hoped to not only improve reliability but also to bask in more of the halo effect associated with the model. Available in a range of colours, the newcomer sported a distinctive black front grille, 5.5J x 13 wheels and Lotus badging to each rear wing. Fitted with a more powerful version (109bhp) of the 1558cc Lotus 'Twin-Cam' engine that had hitherto been optional on the Elan and MKI, the MKII also benefited from a revised 3.77:1 final drive ratio and new remote-control gearchange. Still carrying its battery in the boot to aid weight distribution, the two-door sports saloon boasted a wider track and larger fuel tank. Riding on stiffened suspension and utilising disc / drum brakes, it provided Ford with a decent competition platform until the arrival of the 'Twin-Cam' Escorts. Better built and less temperamental than its forebear, the Ford Cortina Lotus MK2 remained in production until 1970 by which time some 4,032 are thought to have left the Dagenham gates.

According to the vendor this particular example is believed but not warranted to have been used by the Works as an East African Safari Rally recce car. Though, there is no documentary evidence to support such a story the discovery of various improvised African coin 'washers' upon acquisition does lend it a certain credence. Said to have been the subject of "a professional, ground-up, no expense spared restoration", 'JCO 500F' features a very impressive specification. Sadly, the imposition of doctor's orders means that it is understood to have covered "just 400 tarmac test miles since work was completed". Dry stored for the last few years, this highly developed Ford Cortina Lotus MKII nevertheless boasts a fresh MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax both valid until March 2010.

Engine: 1598cc Lotus 'Twin-Cam' unit developing 184bhp @ 7,000rpm (as recorded on accompanying rolling road specification sheet). Fitted with all-new steel crankshaft conrods and flywheel plus Omega pistons, QED camshafts, valves and lifters etc. 'Big Valve' cylinder head supplied by Bob Waterfield (ex-Broadspeed) not to mention vernier camshaft pulleys, twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, big-bore manifold and exhaust etc etc

Gearbox: Straight-Cut Tran X 4-speed allied to AP Racing Competition Clutch

Rear Axle: 4.4:1 Salisbury unit complete with limited slip differential, single-section propshaft and H/D half-shafts.

Suspension / Steering: Bilstein suspension front and rear, Trans Autosport adjustable platform front shock absorbers, adjustable top alloy mountings, heavy duty anti-roll bar, Minilite-style alloy wheels, factory high-ratio steering box, polybushed throughout.

Brakes: Bias pedal box, big rear brakes, Aeroquip lines, hydraulic handbrake, competition brake linings.

Bodyshell: Replacement Cortina Lotus MKII bodyshell taken back to bare metal and extensively strengthened throughout. Fitted with Safety Devices period roll cage and professionally repainted. Tinted, laminated front windscreen and heated rear screen element installed together with an alloy sump guard and driver's / navigator's foot rests etc.

Electrical Equipment: Aircraft specification wiring loom, internal fuse box, multi-speed wipers, electric cooling fan, Lucas auxiliary lighting, high-output alternator, heavy-duty starter motor, Stax rev counter, Brantz computer and map lights etc.

Ancillaries: Motordrive seats, Sabelt harnesses, alloy petrol tank, twin fuel pumps, double spare wheel carrier etc.

Described by the vendor as being in "superb overall" condition, this Fast Ford is offered for sale at a fraction of its build / preparation cost - worthy of close inspection.