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2019 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
39

1963 Ford Cortina 'Group N' 2Dr Sedan (Race Car)

$40,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 1557cc four-cylinder twin-cam
Gearbox Four-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Black
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Minilite Alloys
Brakes Disc/drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

The original Lotus-Cortina was Ford's first real attempt at a homologation special, taking the newly launched Cortina GT - itself a high-performance version of the Mark 1 Cortina - and developing it into a lightweight racer ready for the track. Under the direction of Ford Motorsport chief Walter Hayes, Colin Chapman added the classic Lotus twin-cam engine, lightweight body panels in alloy, heavily revised suspension and wider wheel rims, along with distinctive paintwork in white with green flashes down the sides. With drivers like Jim Clark and Sir John Whitmore at the wheel, Lotus Cortinas dominated touring car racing in the mid-1960s and Cortina GTs had a similar impact on the racing scene in Australia. In production from 1963 until 1966, just over 3300 Mark 1 Lotus Cortinas were made and every one of them is now a highly desirable collector's car, fetching serious money when they infrequently come onto the market.