1968 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1
A Mk1 Lotus Cortina bearing the registration KPU103C, restored to evoke the famous works rally cars of the KPU series — most notably KPU 380C, campaigned by Vic Elford and David Stone on the 1966 RAC and Alpine Rallies. A nut-and-bolt bare-shell rebuild was completed in 2004 by marque specialist Eddie Ganderton, specifying twin Weber 40DCOEs, a balanced and gas-flowed engine, Lotus rear leaf-spring setup, one-piece propshaft, limited-slip differential, uprated transmission, and Bilstein dampers. The car has covered only around 100 miles since restoration.
Ownership
- 2024-02-24Auction saleSold £33,000 (≈ $41K)
- 2011 →Private saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
A circuit racer and long-standing Lotus enthusiast who acquired the car with approximately 800 miles on the reset odometer following the 2004 restoration. The car has seen minimal use during his ownership, accumulating fewer than 100 additional miles, and has been part of a larger private collection.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2004RestorationEddie Ganderton
Comprehensive bare-shell rebuild carried out to a fast-road and rally specification, incorporating twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors, a balanced and gas-flowed engine with period Magard throttle linkages, Lotus rear leaf-spring arrangement paired with a one-piece propshaft, limited-slip differential, uprated gearbox, and Bilstein dampers. Period rally accessories including a Halda tripmeter, Waltham eight-day clock, Avanti Flexilight, and Lucas Continental driving lamps were also fitted. A full photographic record accompanies the car.
The history file documents substantial expenditure on new-old-stock and new components. The chassis number is confirmed on the register as unique to this vehicle, though the prose acknowledges a donor shell may have contributed to the rebuild.
- 2024Service
Pre-sale preparation including a 20-mile shakedown run with minor issues rectified to ensure the car is in sound running order for its new owner.
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.