Beautifully restored 1966 Lotus Cortina looking for a new home

Produced in the U.K. between 1963 and 1970, the Ford Lotus Cortina - or more simply put, Lotus Cortina - was a joint project between Ford and Lotus. The hope was that the two companies could produce a high-powered sports saloon worthy of the track.

The original idea was conceptualized by Walter Hayes, who approached Colin Chapman after learning the Lotus founder had shoved a Cosworth-tuned Ford 116E five bearing into an Elan. Ford originally called for 1,000 of those engines to be developed specifically for the Cortina. Two generations and 7,400 examples later, and the rest is history…

But history doesn’t stay history for long in the world of classic cars - specifically in this case. With a full restoration, a factory Ermine White paint job with Sherwood Green Stripes, and a £58,000 ($77,000) asking price, this lovely little Lotus is for sale on eBay in the U.K. looking like it just rolled off the factory floor.

The car was given a full restoration 15 years and 9,000 miles ago, and comes with matching numbers. Under the hood is the original 158cc twin-cam engine from 1966, virtually new, originally developed by Keith Duckworth of Cosworth. 

The interior retains an original look as well; black leather seats and a wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob keep the period correctness alive. While the dash looks lovely in jet black and the all original gauges are in working condition.

For Lotus and Ford collectors alike, you won’t find much better than this stunning example.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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