AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY
A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
The Ford-Lotus Cortina
The Lotus Cortina is a prime example of two British car makers doing what they do best. In 1963, Ford and Lotus got together to produce a race-winning, two-door, lightweight sedan. Ford supplied the basic two-door Cortina shells along with the front suspension units.
Lotus took deliver of the new car bodies at their Cheshunt factory, and set to work installing a host of upgrades. Prime among which was Lotus’ own, high performance 105bhp twin-cam engine, mated to a close-ratio four-speed gearbox. The rear suspension was also all Lotus, comprising of coil springs, radius arms and an A-bracket to help stiffen up the chassis.
The body was then lowered onto wider wheels and front disc brakes were fitted. All Mk I Lotus Cortinas were painted in the iconic cream-and-green-flash livery, and featured split front bumpers. The matt-black front grille completed the look, making them instantly identifiable. But what were they like to drive?
“Although technically a quicker car, the Mk II Cortina was never held in the same revere as its predecessor, and to this day remains somewhat in the shadow of it’s older brother.”
As can be expected when the formula of ‘light and powerful’ is followed, the Lotus Cortina was an instant winner. Cortinas went on to do well in saloon-car racing, and were particularly memorable in the hands of Grand Prix ace Jim Clark. Rallying prowess was not as good however, with the A-frame teding to be a weak spot. In 1966, Lotus revised this design to a semi-elliptical one to try and improve reliability.
“As can be expected when the formula of ‘light and powerful’ is followed, the Lotus Cortina was an instant winner.”
In total, just 3,301 examples of the Lotus Cortina were built. The Mk I was replaced by the Mk II in 1967, which had all-new bodywork, but basically the same underpinnings. Power was bumped up to 109bhp, and a limited slip differential and oil cooler were optional extras (with the limited slip differential being a game-changer). The cream-with-green livery was no longer obligatory, it was a decision pleased many enthusiasts, but dismayed the purists.
Although technically a quicker car, the Mk II Cortina was never held in the same revere as its predecessor, and to this day remains somewhat in the shadow of it’s older brother. Overall, the Lotus Cortina remains an exercise in what can be achieved when two remarkable manufacturers team up, and bring their respective expertise to the table. The result is an iconic, thrilling-to-drive classic.
Holloway, H. and Buckley, M., 1999. The A-Z Of Cars. Godalming, Surrey: Colour Library Direct.
Daniel is a writer, senior teacher, and geographer based in Malta. His main passion is empowering students to fulfill their aspirations and reach their goals.
