Lotus Cortina
The Lotus Cortina was a wolf in sheep's clothing, a seemingly humble Ford sedan transformed into a track-ready terror. Developed in collaboration with Ford UK, the Lotus Cortina received a potent twin-cam engine, upgraded suspension, and subtle performance tweaks, making it a giant-killer in the 1960s touring car scene. It became an icon of British motorsport, known for its spirited driving dynamics and those iconic green side stripes. Think: feisty, agile, and deceptively quick.
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The Ultimate Guide To The Lotus Cortina: Every Variant, Specs, Reviews, Performance & More
A Quick Overview
Produced in the U.K. between 1963 and 1970, the Ford Lotus Cortina or as most people knew it, the Lotus Cortina came about when Ford and Lotus decided to combine efforts to create a homologation special built to race. They wanted a small, high-powered sports saloon that could compete on track. Ford developed a new inline four, twin-cam engine with 1577 cc displacement and 110hp, four-speed transmission, and suspension tuning from Lotus.
With its light, stiff monocoque shell, MacPherson strut front suspension and highly tunable oversquare engine it was an instant success. The Ford-Lotus Cortina was dominant in competition events, the peak being Jim Clark winning the British Saloon Car Championship in 1964. The production Lotus-Ford Cortina was sold through Ford dealers as ‘The Consul Cortina Sports Special’. Approximately 7,400 cars were made over its production life.
The Full Story
The Lotus Cortina, a high-performance version of the Ford Cortina, is a shining example of a successful collaboration between Ford and Lotus. This iconic vehicle emerged in the 1960s, embodying the spirit of both brands: Ford's mass-market appeal and Lotus's racing pedigree. Designed to dominate both the road and track, the Lotus Cortina quickly made a name for itself, achieving considerable success in motorsport while becoming a coveted performance car for the driving enthusiast. This post explores the rich history, technical innovations, and distinct characteristics of the Lotus Cortina, covering both the Mk1 and Mk2 generations.
The Lotus Cortina was born out of a desire by Ford to boost its performance image in the early 1960s. Ford's initial approach to Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, was to develop a high-performance engine for their new Cortina model. However, Chapman saw an opportunity to create a complete performance car, leading to the Lotus Cortina's development. The collaboration involved fitting a Lotus-tuned engine into the Cortina, along with significant modifications to the suspension, brakes, and bodywork to enhance performance and handling.
Lotus Cortina Mk1 (1963-1966)
The Mk1 Lotus Cortina, officially known as the Ford Cortina Lotus, debuted in 1963. Its heart was the Lotus-developed 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, based on the Ford Kent block, which produced around 105 bhp, a significant increase over the standard Cortina's power output. This engine was paired with a close-ratio gearbox, and the car featured a unique green stripe and Lotus badges, distinguishing it from regular Cortina models.
Significant modifications were made to improve handling and performance, including lightweight alloy panels for the doors, hood, and trunk, as well as aluminum casings for the gearbox and differential. The suspension was heavily revised, with coil springs and dampers at the front and a leaf-sprung rear, modified to incorporate trailing arms and a Watts linkage, ensuring better stability and cornering.
The Lotus Cortina Mk1 quickly established itself in the world of motorsport, excelling in touring car championships and rallying. It achieved numerous victories, including winning the British Saloon Car Championship and making a notable impact in international rallying. Its success on the track helped to cement the Lotus Cortina's reputation as a high-performance vehicle and contributed significantly to its desirability among enthusiasts.
Lotus Cortina Mk2 (1966-1970)
In 1966, the Lotus Cortina Mk2 was introduced, coinciding with the launch of the second-generation Ford Cortina. While it retained the same fundamental Lotus-engineered 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, the Mk2 featured a more conventional and less race-oriented suspension setup, with the rear leaf springs and standard Cortina dampers replacing the more complex setup of the Mk1. This change was primarily for cost-saving reasons and to improve the car's suitability for everyday driving.
The Mk2 also sported a different appearance, with the distinctive Lotus livery now optional rather than standard. It was built in larger numbers and offered more comfort and practicality, with a larger cabin and improved equipment levels, making it more appealing to a broader audience.
Despite being more road-focused, the Lotus Cortina Mk2 continued to enjoy success in motorsport, though not quite to the same extent as its predecessor. It remained a popular choice for racing and rallying, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Lotus-Ford collaboration.
Conclusion
The Lotus Cortina, through its Mk1 and Mk2 generations, represents a landmark achievement in automotive history, blending Ford's mass-market expertise with Lotus's racing pedigree to create a car that was both a champion on the track and a beloved performance vehicle on the road. Its legacy continues to resonate within the car enthusiast community, with the Lotus Cortina regarded as one of the most iconic and desirable classic British cars.
Lotus Cortina Mk 1
Also Called: Ford Cortina Lotus
Production: 1963–1966
Body style: 2-door saloon
Engine: 1557 cc Twin-Cam I4
Wheelbase: 98 in (2,489 mm)
Length: 168 in (4,267 mm)
Width: 63 in (1,600 mm)
Height: 54 in (1,372 mm)
Did You Know?
The legendary Lotus founder, Colin Chapman, played a significant role in the development of the Mk1 Cortina.
The heart of the beast was the 1.6-liter Lotus Twin Cam engine, known for its high-revving nature and spirited performance.
The Mk1 dominated touring car racing, scoring numerous victories and establishing a legacy of track success.
Lotus Cortina Mk 2
Also called: Ford Cortina Twin Cam
Production: 1966–1970
Body style: 2-door saloon
Engine: 1557 cc Twin-Cam I4
Wheelbase: 249 cm (98.0 in)
Length: 427 cm (168.1 in)
Width: 165 cm (65.0 in)
Height: 139 cm (54.7 in)
Did You Know?
While Mk1 assembly was partially handled by Lotus, the Mk2 was fully built by Ford, improving availability.
The Mk2 offered a broader range of engines, not just the top-spec Twin Cam, catering to varying budgets and performance needs.
The Mk2 is easily identifiable by its flared wheel arches, adding a touch of visual aggression.
"The Lotus Cortina is a revelation. It transforms a humble family car into a true sports sedan that can embarrass far more expensive machinery."
Motor Trend (Mk1 Review)
Lotus Cortina Variants
Lotus Cortina Mk1 (1963 - 1966)
Lotus Cortina Mk2 (1963 - 1966)
Lotus Cortina Model Summaries
Lotus Cortina Mk1
Years: 1963 - 1966
Lotus: Type 28
Engine: 1557 cc straight-4
Power: 105 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 107 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
0 - 60 mph: 13 sec
Top Speed: 108 mph
The Lotus Cortina was an exhilarating drive, with torquey, lively acceleration, firm handling, adequate brakes, excellent visibility and, in Aeroflow form, good ventilation. A classic fun car.
Lotus Cortina Mk2
Years: 1963 - 1966
Lotus: Type 28
Engine: 1557 cc straight-4
Power: 110 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 106 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm
0 - 60 mph: 11 sec
Top Speed: 104 mph
While the looks softened compared to the first generation, the Mk 2 is the better of the two. Upgrades included the more powerful twin-cam as standard, a different final drive, and a much more comfortable cabin.
Lotus Cortina In-Depth Model Guides
We go deep on the iconic variants.
"The handling is razor-sharp, and the twin-cam engine loves to rev. This is how a performance sedan should feel."
Car and Driver (Mk2 Review)
