11th Mar, 2023 13:00
March 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1963 Ford Lotus Cortina
Pre-Aeroflow model, fitted with A-frame rear suspension
Registration - HCJ 589D
Chassis No. - K305808060
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 76,427
MK1 Lotus Cortinas are among the most sought-after of all fast Fords, but good original specification ones have long since become hard to find, which is what makes this early pre-Airflow specimen particularly interesting. Extremely-well presented in the correct livery of Ermine White and contrasting Sherwood Green flashes, ‘HCJ 589D’ was treated to a full restoration as recently as 2013, and has had just two owners since being imported to the UK in 1980. The eagle-eyed among you will already have spotted that the registration does not match the year of manufacture, and the car is equally unusual in having a DVLA rather than Ford-supplied chassis number, but is generally very much the real deal from its A-bracket rear suspension to its rare original-style 5.5J steel road wheels and wood-rim steering wheel. The vendor presently grades the 1558cc twin-cam engine, four-speed manual gearbox and black vinyl trim as all being in ‘excellent condition, and the two-door bodywork and distinctive paintwork as ‘good’. He is now offering the car complete with new and old-style V5s, and a large selection of paperwork that includes a detailed invoice for the 2013 engine rebuild. The odometer currently registers a total mileage of 76,427.
Ford wished to race the Mk1 Cortina in Group 2, for which 1,000 ‘homologation specials’ would be required. The obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the ‘Kent’ engine that Lotus’s Colin Chapman developed for the Elan. A deal was struck and the Lotus Cortina was born. Homologation was granted in September ‘63 and the cars immediately showed potential. The following season Jim Clark won the British Saloon Car Championship in one and countless other laurels were accumulated in both racing and rallying. In addition to the aforementioned, the uprated specification included: close-ratio gearbox, shorter front suspension struts; trailing arms and coil springs with A-bracket at the rear; 5.5J steel wheels; front quarter bumpers; Lotus badges on the rear wings and right side of the radiator grille; new centre-console to house the remote control gear lever; different seats and facia; and a wood-rim steering wheel.
In summary:
- A very well-presented pre-Airflow example
- Treated to a comprehensive restoration as recently as 2013
- Just two owners since being imported to the UK in 1980
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Estimated at £34,000 - £38,000
Registration - HCJ 589D
Chassis No. - K305808060
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 76,427
MK1 Lotus Cortinas are among the most sought-after of all fast Fords, but good original specification ones have long since become hard to find, which is what makes this early pre-Airflow specimen particularly interesting. Extremely-well presented in the correct livery of Ermine White and contrasting Sherwood Green flashes, ‘HCJ 589D’ was treated to a full restoration as recently as 2013, and has had just two owners since being imported to the UK in 1980. The eagle-eyed among you will already have spotted that the registration does not match the year of manufacture, and the car is equally unusual in having a DVLA rather than Ford-supplied chassis number, but is generally very much the real deal from its A-bracket rear suspension to its rare original-style 5.5J steel road wheels and wood-rim steering wheel. The vendor presently grades the 1558cc twin-cam engine, four-speed manual gearbox and black vinyl trim as all being in ‘excellent condition, and the two-door bodywork and distinctive paintwork as ‘good’. He is now offering the car complete with new and old-style V5s, and a large selection of paperwork that includes a detailed invoice for the 2013 engine rebuild. The odometer currently registers a total mileage of 76,427.
Ford wished to race the Mk1 Cortina in Group 2, for which 1,000 ‘homologation specials’ would be required. The obvious powerplant was the twin-cam version of the ‘Kent’ engine that Lotus’s Colin Chapman developed for the Elan. A deal was struck and the Lotus Cortina was born. Homologation was granted in September ‘63 and the cars immediately showed potential. The following season Jim Clark won the British Saloon Car Championship in one and countless other laurels were accumulated in both racing and rallying. In addition to the aforementioned, the uprated specification included: close-ratio gearbox, shorter front suspension struts; trailing arms and coil springs with A-bracket at the rear; 5.5J steel wheels; front quarter bumpers; Lotus badges on the rear wings and right side of the radiator grille; new centre-console to house the remote control gear lever; different seats and facia; and a wood-rim steering wheel.
In summary:
- A very well-presented pre-Airflow example
- Treated to a comprehensive restoration as recently as 2013
- Just two owners since being imported to the UK in 1980
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: March 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 11th Mar, 2023
Our March auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes will take place at Mavericks in Holywell, North Wales (half an hour’s drive from Chester). Mavericks, 8 Moyston Road Business Park, Llannerch-y-Môr, Holywell, CH8 9DQ
There will be free parking for auction attendees.
Entries are now being invited, and sellers will benefit from Hampson’s unique offering of zero sellers commission for physical auctions, meaning that vendors keep 100% of the hammer price achieved for their vehicles.
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Viewing Days:
Friday 10th March 2pm - 7pm
Saturday 11th March 9am - 1pm
Please click on the image below to discuss finance options with the Apollo Capital team led by Andy King and David Moss, experts in luxury, supercar & hypercar finance for more than 25 years. Before you bid, you must make sure you have the funds ready or have approved finance in principal with Apollo.
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
