Guide price: £40000 - £50000. <ul><li>An early airflow ‘A-frame’ Lotus Cortina Mk.I</li><li>Engine and carburettor rebuild in 2013</li><li>Supplied with a large history file</li><li>Still on its original registration ‘FLL 796C’</li></ul><p>The engine that would ultimately power the legendary Lotus Cortina began its life in 1961 when Colin Chapman commissioned a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent unit and bored it out to give 1,558cc. Whilst it was still being developed, Ford asked Chapman to fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 'Homologation'. </p><p>Chapman accepted the challenge and the Ford Lotus Cortina was born. Ford supplied the bodyshells, whilst Lotus handled the mechanical and cosmetic changes. The model was to dominate saloon car racing for the Ford factory as it evolved throughout the 1960s and was driven by many stars of the day, including the legendary Jim Clark. In the February 1963 Motor Sport magazine editor, Bill Boddy said: "the modifications carried out by Lotus have turned the Cortina into a 'Q' car par excellence". In total, approximately 3,000 Lotus Cortinas were manufactured. </p><p>We are pleased to offer this particular Ford Lotus Cortina Mk. I first registered on 29th of September 1965. The model itself is a Type II airflow car with A-frame rear suspension making it hugely desirable. The car is presented in the classic colour combination of Ermine White with a Sherwood Green stripe and appears to be in very good order. </p><p>The history file documents a period from 2009 – 2011 whereby the car was the recipient of some bodywork repairs and fresh paint done by specialists, Keiran Boyle and Couston Classics in Scotland. In 2013 Brayon Classic Engineering of Argyll & Bute carried out works to the engine which included;</p><p>Removal of the engine & re-facing both the cylinder block and head</p><p>Cleaning out of all oil galleries on the block, head, crank & rods </p><p>Removal of old paint on the cylinder block and repainting</p><p>Rebuilding the cylinder head with new valves & springs</p><p>Installing new pistons and con rods</p><p>Rebuild carburettors and set up</p><p>An invoice totalling £2,933 is included in the file and documents the full extent of the work. Since this time we believe the car has seen little use as it remains in super condition both on the exterior and underneath. Most recently it has been serviced and fettled at a well-respected Ferrari restorer and specialist. </p><p>Supplied with a folder packed with invoices, pictures on CD, newspaper articles in which the car has featured, copies of old registration documents and its current UK V5c, this Lotus Cortina has been well-cherished by its current owner and it is offered for sale for the first time in 8 years. These Lotus Cortina’s epitomised the new-found freedom of the 1960’s and cemented themselves as real driver’s cars – still wearing its original registration number ‘FLL 795C’, this is one not to be missed. </p>