1963 Ford Lotus Cortina
A genuine early 'A-frame' Lotus Cortina that was professionally constructed and developed in 2004 for historic competition. Campaigned initially in the FIA Historic Touring Car Series, the car has been continuously developed and maintained over a long racing career. Notably, it lapped Spa-Francorchamps in 3:07 during qualifying in 2016 and finished 11th overall in the main race. The specification includes alloy panels, magnesium wheels, a Quaife straight-cut gearbox, and an engine built by Nick Stagg with under 650 miles since its most recent rebuild.
Ownership
- 2018-02-23Auction saleSold £47,000 (≈ $59K)
- 2004 →Acquisition unknownPrevious racing owner(s) prior to current vendorpartial documentation
The car was professionally built and prepared in 2004 and campaigned for approximately two years in the FIA Historic Touring Car Series before passing to the current vendor.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Acquired after the car's initial two-year stint in the FIA Historic Touring Car Series; continued developing and racing it at international events including Spa-Francorchamps in 2016.
Competition
- 2004FIA Historic Touring Car SeriesFIA Historic Touring Car Series
The car was campaigned in this series for roughly two years following its 2004 build, prior to being acquired by the current vendor.
- 2016Spa-Francorchamps race meeting11th overall
The car recorded a qualifying lap of 3:07 at Spa-Francorchamps and finished 11th overall in the main race.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2004Restoration
Full professional build and development of a correct early A-frame Lotus Cortina shell, prepared to race specification with alloy panels, magnesium wheels, uprated drivetrain components, and A-bracket rear suspension.
Specification includes a Quaife straight-cut gearbox with steel synchros, a 4.4 crown-wheel-and-pinion with Tranex limited-slip differential, strengthened rear axle with uprated half-shafts.
- —Engine rebuildNick Stagg
Engine rebuilt by specialist Nick Stagg; recorded mileage since this rebuild stands at approximately 650 miles at time of cataloguing.
Supporting documentation includes invoices for engine work and older dynamometer sheets.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.