1963 Ford Cortina Mk1 Lotus FIA Replica
A 1963 Lotus Cortina Mk1 FIA-specification replica race car, constructed by respected builder Steve Lancaster of Selby on a rust-free South African bodyshell. Lightweight alloy panels and Perspex windows reduce weight, while the drivetrain centres on a full-race JS Motorsport steel engine on twin-choke carburettors with minimal hours. The car carries FIA certification valid through end of 2027 and was shaken down at Donington Park shortly after completion approximately six years ago.
Ownership
- 2026-02-20Auction saleSold £27,000 (≈ $34K)
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownSteve Lancasterpartial documentation
Lancaster, a recognised specialist based in Selby, constructed the car from a South African bodyshell; it is implied he built and likely retained it initially before it passed to the consignor.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent vendorpartial documentation
The consignor presents the car as road-registered and ready to race, with FIA documentation in hand.
Competition
- —Donington Park shake-down
A brief test of a few laps at Donington Park was undertaken following completion of the build, approximately six years before the catalogue date, to verify the car was functioning correctly.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationSteve Lancaster
Complete build of a Lotus Cortina Mk1 FIA replica using a rust-free South African shell, with alloy bonnet, boot lid, doors, and Perspex windows fitted. Full race specification including FIA roll cage, alloy fuel tank, close-ratio gearbox, single-piece propshaft, 4.7 LSD, heavy-duty driveshafts, Gaz adjustable dampers, single-leaf rear and uprated front coil springs, dual-circuit brakes, and Minilite wheels.
Engine supplied and built by JS Motorsport / John Smirthwaite of Warwickshire; only running-in hours accumulated since completion.
- —Engine rebuildJS Motorsport
Full-race all-steel engine built to competition specification, running twin 45DCOE carburettors; minimal hours logged since build.
John Smirthwaite of Warwickshire credited as builder.
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