Sensing sales benefits from a motor sports association, Ford contracted with Colin Chapman’s Lotus to develop the Cortina into a racing contender. Originally developing 105 hp, the 1.6-liter twin-cam engine featured an aluminum cylinder head, 9.5:1 compression, and twin Weber carburetors. Other alterations included additional lightweight aluminum componentry, and revised braking and suspension systems. Piloted by Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Vic Elford, and Graham Hill, the Lotus Cortina won the 1964 BRSCC Saloon Car Championship and 1965 European Touring Car Championship.

According to the consignor, this 1966 Cortina Mk I is one of seven works cars ordered by the Ford Competition Department from Lotus. Assigned to Charles Barns of Texas, this car was entered into the competitive SCCA Division B racing series, winning 29 of 40 races, and the 1966 championship. In 1967, Barns campaigned the Cortina in the Trans Am “under two-liter class,” before selling it in October 1970 to Donald Gwynne of Oklahoma, who continued to race it. The Cortina Mk I would later pass to long-term (1971–2011) caretaker Robert Winkelmann, who raced the car in its present green and gold livery.

Presented in largely original condition, this Cortina Mk I will require recommissioning work before any further racing or competition. Accompanied by parts catalogue, correspondence, and documentation, this original, highly successful Competition Department Lotus Cortina would be a worthy addition to any Ford or Lotus collection.