1970 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2 2-Door Saloon

Description

Ford's Cortina family sedan was launched in 1962, designed to fill a gap between the smaller Anglia and executive Zephyr/Zodiac models. The Cortina's styling was a successful marriage of American and European styling trends, with a simple glasshouse, neat chrome grille and vestigial rear fins atop the signature 'Ban the Bomb' taillights. With its lightweight monocoque body shell, ample cabin space and excellent handling, the Cortina was seen as a driver's car from the outset. Under the bonnet was a stroked version of the now familiar Kent engine, initially displacing 1198cc although a 1498cc model was released as an option in 1963, along with four-speed manual transmissions. Ford introduced the second-generation Mark II Cortina in 1966, updating it with modern, squared-off lines. The GT retained the same 1.5-litre motor and four-speed gearbox as found in the Mark I GT, but there was revised suspension and an updated interior. In 1967 Ford then introduced a new 'Cross-Flow' version of the Kent engine using new manifolds, a dual barrel Weber downdraught carburettor and a slight increase in capacity to raise power to 78kW at 5400 rpm. Radial tyres and 5-inch wide wheels became standard, and a new centre console was fitted. Ford still wanted to build a Mk2 Lotus-Cortina but Lotus was moving to Hethel, so Ford produced the car at Dagenham itself, alongside the other Cortinas. The Lotus Mk2 was built beside Mk2 GT, just with a different engine and suspension. Another change with the Mk2 Lotus was the choice of colours and the lack of a Lotus side stripe, although most owners had them fitted at dealers. Other cosmetic differences to the Lotus-Cortina were a black grille, 5.5J x 13 steel wheels and Lotus badges on rear guards and by the rear number plate. The interior was almost identical to the GT, but the Mk2 Lotus-Cortina also gained a more powerful 81 kW motor with the air cleaner now mounted on top of the engine, and the car now used the Mk2 GT remote-control gearchange. The car also had a different final drive of 3.77:1 (rather than 3.9:1), a larger fuel tank and the battery remained in the boot to aid weight distribution. Unlike the Mk1, the Mk2 Lotus-Cortina was also made in left hand drive from the start of production.