Registration - OZJ 100

Chassis No. - TBC

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 02,171

This particular example from the final year of Mk1 Lotus Cortina production has a period competition history which started in March 1967 when it came third in the Circuit of Ireland Rally, driven by Charlie Gunn with Norman Henderson in the navigator’s seat. The victor that day was the legendary Paddy Hopkirk, but ‘OJZ 100’ took the Gallagher Trophy for private entries. This car still bears its original Irish registration number as it did originally and is smartly presented in its Circuit of Ireland livery, complete with unusual satin black painted bonnet and front wings, sits on genuine Dunlop D1 wheels, and is all set to continue in historic road rallying. At some point the car has been reshelled with a correct, 1966 leaf sprung shell and it retains all the important Lotus elements, including anti-tramp bars, with the battery tray still correctly positioned in the boot. ‘OJZ 100’ has also benefited from a new, black powder coated aluminium radiator, new exhaust manifold and system, new bumpers, window seals, fuel tank, and the right Lotus-specification cast iron track control arms along with new bushes and brakes. Front suspension components have been freshly powder coated and new springs and adjustable shock inserts fitted, as well as new Lotus reverse-eye rear-leaf springs. The L Block Lotus twin-cam engine has been overhauled in recent years and treated to new water and oil pumps plus new piston rings and bearings, while the gearbox has been replaced with a 2000E four-speed transmission from a slightly later period, which has been overhauled and equipped with a single-piece propshaft. Inside there is the wonderful patina of a decades-old motor car, though the car has received a new headlining. Period-Cobra bucket seats with three-point harnesses, a Halda Tripmaster and original Paddy Hopkirk steering wheel complete the very appealing picture.

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 summary:

· A very desirable example from the final year of Mk1 Lotus Cortina production

· Period competition history – winner of the Gallagher Trophy in the 1967 Circuit of Ireland

· Beautifully presented, with a host of new, period-correct components