1963 Ford Cortina Lotus

Domestically sold and genuine Ford Cortina Lotus from 1963! This is the car that set the foundation for touring car racing and helped Colin Chapman reach his legendary status. This late 1963 example comes in very fine condition and is ready to once again take the lead in the field of legendary classics! This example was produced in October 1963 and these earlier produced cars were right hand drive only. Under the rear hat shelf, the car is stamped with a 3. This means that the body was selected at the Ford factory to go to Cheshunt to become a Lotus Cortina. Bodies with a "2" stamped became Cortina GTs. Both body and engine are original, which is not quite common these days. The car is registered in the Lotus Cortina Register, which proves the car's authenticity.

The car has had 5 previous owners according to the history. The Ford Cortina Lotus, or Type 28 as it was also called, was produced between 1963 and 1966 and somewhere around 3000 copies were produced. Exact production numbers are not known, but it is claimed that so many copies are built that there are more Lotus Cortina's today than were actually built until production stopped. The car has featured in Teknikens Värld as a test drive car in 2013.

Equipped with the legendary 1.6-liter twincam engine from Lotus of approx. 105hp/145nm connected to a four-speed manual box and rear-wheel drive. Dual Weber 40's and low gearing contribute to a noisy ride, albeit fantastic on twisty roads!

The car comes in a consistently good condition and is of course stainless. Emblems and chrome come with patina from years gone by. Current owner informs that there are no dents, worse scratches or door knocks on the body. The car has previously been renovated by Niclas "Lilleman" Karlsson in Svenljunga, a respected name in sheet metal renovation. After sheet metal renovation, the car was fully painted, both inside and out, by the then owner who was a painter for 40+ years. Door, hood and trunk lid are all aluminium. The paint is described today as being in good condition. The contemporary Minilite rims are undamaged. Tire depth is not measured. Original sheet metal rims with hubcaps are naturally included with the car.

The interior is described as being in good condition. Materials on chairs and in the back seat are in good condition. However, a seam has burst on the passenger seat. A set of proper belts from Britax have been installed. The dashboard is undamaged. Steering wheel, controls and buttons in good condition. The inner roof is in place but has minor damage and dirt. It comes with a brand new original headliner. All functions in the cabin work as intended.

Engine is described as being in good condition and has not been modified. Drivetrain, brakes and gearbox as well. In 2007, the drivetrain, chassis and brakes were overhauled. Last service was performed in 2023 with oil change and function check. Original rear axle block in aluminum comes with the vehicle.

A legend in stock car racing, the Ford Cortina Lotus. This is a chance for you who were a young adult in the 60s and longed for a real sports car for street use!