1966 FORD LOTUS CORTINA MK1 (lhd) ORIGINAL SURVIVOR CAR

motodrome are very pleased to offer for sale this iconic left hand drive 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina Mark 1.

I will start by stating very plainly that this is an unusual example in that it’s never been stripped and given a chequebook restoration. Instead it’s unusual these days in that it wears its near 6 decades of irreplaceable patina with pride. It’s had bits of paintwork here and there over the years, and is certainly not a fully restored example that looks like it’s just come out of the factory – one like that will set you back substantially more. If you’re looking for one of those, this isn’t the car for you. However, the old adage ‘it’s only original once’ springs to mind.

One of around 660 left hand drive examples built, this is an ex-California car that retains it’s original shell with body tags still in place. This one has been in the UK since 1989, and is very well known to the Lotus Cortina Register.

Fitted with period radio, tinted windscreen, kenlowe fan, and stainless exhaust. We also have a front strut brace which can be fitted if required – the mounts are already fitted underbonnet.

Odometer reading 91000 miles, and the V5 shows just 3 previous owners since it was UK registered in 1989. The last owner, a committed Lotus enthusiast, has had it for the last 13 years, and kept it garaged as part of a small collection of Ford and Lotus rarities. It’s covered around 8000 miles in his ownership and has been exhibited at many shows, as documented in the history.

Talking of history, we have a big file including the old US title documents showing it came from El Segundo in California, old MOT’s back to 1989, and lots and lots of bills. Highlights over the past 10 years, apart from general servicing, include

• reconditioned servo

• new front struts

• radiator re-cored

• new GAZ rear dampers

• rebuilt front suspension

• new steering box

Last serviced June 2023 at 90164m – a very full service including brake fluid and coolant replacement, and a new battery. For the last MOT (Feb 24) the brakes were stripped and replaced as necessary, and a new clutch slave cylinder fitted.

Looks, drives, and sounds just the way it should – absolutely riotous. Brings out the inner Jim Clark in you…

On our own website, you’ll find our usual two videos: a walkaround appraisal, and driving impressions, which form part of the description.

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