1963 Ford Lotus Cortina
A highly successful Lotus Cortina that dominated UK historic saloon racing between 1999 and 2004, campaigned under the nickname 'LUV 12' in both HSCC series events and FIA international races. Engines were built and developed by Nick Stagg Engineering as part of a two-car team effort. The car reportedly went undefeated against other Lotus Cortinas during its active years, setting multiple class and outright lap records. It has been stored undriven for much of the period since its racing career ended and requires recommissioning.
Ownership
- 2017-02-24Auction saleSold £26,956.5 (≈ $34K)
- Date unknownVendor who retired from racingpartial documentation
The owner raced the car extensively from 1999 to 2004, then retired from driving but retained the car for sentimental reasons, leaving it unraced for the better part of a decade.
Competition
- —HSCC Historic Saloon Car SeriesHSCC Historic Saloon Car races (1999–2004 season)Multiple wins; class and overall lap records held
Car reportedly went undefeated against other Lotus Cortinas throughout this period, contesting events in the UK as part of a professionally run two-car team.
- —FIA international race events (1999–2004)Multiple wins
Car competed in FIA-sanctioned historic racing abroad as well as domestic UK events during the same active period.
- —Race at Spa-FrancorchampsDriver: Nick Whale
Nick Whale, described as the vendor company's managing director, drove the car at Spa as well as the A1 Ring and commented favourably on its handling.
- —Race at A1 RingDriver: Nick Whale
Same demonstration/race drive by Nick Whale noted at A1 Ring; car described as exceptionally well set up.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Engine rebuildNick Stagg Engineering
Engines for the car were constructed and developed by Nick Stagg Engineering as part of a dedicated two-car team programme during the car's active racing years.
- —Service
Recommissioning required before the car can be returned to competition, following an extended period of inactivity spanning most of the decade prior to sale.
Work not yet carried out as of the time of cataloguing; flagged as a requirement for the next owner.
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