1966 Lotus Cortina Mk1 (LHD)

• Just three owners from the date of its first registration in 1966
• Purchased in 2013 from Tom Carter, the second owner and more importantly Founder and President of The Lotus Car Club of North America
• Instantly recognisable in Ermine White with a Sherwood Green flash
• Basically remarkably sound but treated to some fresh paint anyway
• Twin-Cam stripped, crack-tested, lightened and balanced, fitted with Ultimate-Road Piper cams, an unleaded head and rebuilt by GA Classic Engines
• Original classic black vinyl Airflow interior in superb order throughout

A superb three owner example of the legendary Lotus Cortina Mk1 finished in the instantly recognisable Ermine White with a Sherwood Green side-flash and black interior trim.

This original, left-hand drive, example was first purchased by Dick Hultberg of Delaware, USA who bought the car directly from Colin Chapman at the Lotus factory in Cheshunt and it was to remain in his ownership until 1970 when it was purchased by Tom Carter, the founder and President of The Lotus Car Club of North America. In 2013, our vendor was looking for a solid Mk1 that he could convert into a reliable FIA race car to campaign around Europe, and the deal was done with the Cortina returning to the UK that year.

Upon its arrival, the race car plans were put on hold as the condition of the Lotus was simply far too good and stripping and rebuilding was no longer a sensible option, given the increasing desirability of unmolested original road cars. With the bodywork in excellent order, all that was required was a fresh coat of Ermine White to eradicate some micro blistering, however, the underside of the bonnet and boot were left well alone to show just how good the shell was. It was noted at this stage, that whilst in the hands of Tom Carter, a big-valve Elan power unit had found its way into the engine bay, so a period-correct Lotus Cortina engine, that just happened to be on the shelf, was pressed into action. It was stripped, crack-tested, lightened and balanced before being fitted with ‘Ultimate-Road’ Piper cams, an unleaded head and finally rebuilt by GA Classic Engines. It goes without saying that all new ancillaries completed the picture.

Now ready to be enjoyed once again by a new custodian, this superbly presented Lotus Cortina will be a credit to any collector or enthusiast and with values of these iconic Sixties saloons, continuing to strengthen, year on year, this is an opportunity that has to be worthy of your serious consideration.