Lot 071: 1965 FORD CORTINA LOTUS

We are very pleased to offer, what is becoming a rare sight these in so far as this is a totally original car, with all the correct numbers, and all that has happened is that it has been completely restored to its former glory by it engineer owner of some 18 years. The work was completed in 1992 and the history file contains logbooks and old MOT certificates dating back to 1978. It comes with the 'A' frame rear suspension, coil springs and the 'Works' braced rear axle and the limited slip differential and the alloy gearbox case, diff case and bellhousing are all correct and original. Finished in the correct Ermine White and Sherwood Green paintwork with black vinyl trim it has the standard Lotus twin-cam engine with two choke Weber carburettors. The correct and comprehensive instruments all work and the original woodrim steering wheel is also in evidence as is the 'Lotus wins '65 Indianapolis' badge on the console as fitted to all 1965/66 cars. The optional but entirely correct magnesium 'Minilite' wheels are in evidence with an aluminium spare. This is exactly as you would wish to find one of these early 'A' frame Mark 1's with all the correct fittings for the 'airflow' model and all matching numbers. Add to that the current MOT until March and road fund licence until June and you have one you surely can't miss. An almost guaranteed blue-chip investment. SALEROOM NOTICE PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY RON HICKMAN OBE FCSD (DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF LOTUS CARS LTD 1959 - 1967) THAT JUDGING FROM THE CATALOGUE PHOTO THIS PARTICULAR LOTUS CORTINA WOULD INDEED APPEAR TO RETAIN ITS FACTORY-FITTED WOOD-RIMMED 'SPRINGRIM' STEERING WHEEL. WHILE, THIS ITEM IS FURTHER PROOF OF THE CAR'S ORIGINALITY, MR HICKMAN POINTS OUT THAT 'SPRINGRIM' WHEELS HAD A NASTY TENDENCY TO SHATTER IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION (HENCE THE REASON THAT LATER LOTUS CORTINAS SWITCHED TO A FOAM PADDED, METAL-RIMMED STEERING WHEEL). AS SUCH, HE, "STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE ORIGINAL WHEEL BE PUT ON ICE AND ANOTHER ONE FITTED - PROBABLY EVEN IF THE NEW OWNER UNFAILING WEARS SEAT BELTS". WE ARE GRATEFUL TO MR HICKMAN FOR HIS ADVICE AND CONCERN IN THIS MATTER.