1965 Lotus Cortina Coupe

Lotus boss Colin Chapman transformed the Ford Cortina into a Group 2 competition racing machine. Lotus then built 1,000 cars required for homologation. The Lotus Cortina, launched in 1963, featured the Elan's Ford-based, twin-overhead camshaft, 1.6-liter engine in the two-door bodyshell. In the front, the MacPherson strut independent setup was retained with revised spring and damper rates. In the back, the leaf springs were replaced by coil-spring/damper units, axle location being achieved by trailing arms and an 'A' bracket. An alloy differential casing was added, giving the benefit of lightweight components, though it did prove to be far less oil-tight than the original. This problem was cured with revisions to Ford's standard leaf-spring axle.

In competition, the Lotus Cortina's dominated saloon racing's 2-liter class, often contending for overall victory. Works drivers included Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Peter Arundell and Jacky Ickx. Sir John Whitmore, driving an Alan Mann-entered Lotus Cortina was the European Touring Car Champion for 1965. In 1966, works driver Bengt Soderstrom won the Acropolis and RAC rallies.

This Lotus Cortina has resided in California its entire life. It was purchased new by Roger Juhl in Los Angeles in June of 1967. It began life as a factory demonstrator beginning in February of 1966. The second owner was James Miller who purchased the car in 1980 and kept it until selling it to the current owner in 1987.

In 2011, this Lotus Cortina was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge auction presented by Bonhams. It was sold for the sum of $42,120 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011