1970 | Ford Lotus Cortina

KEC 103J was first registered on the 1st August 1970 and is a matching numbers, genuine Ford Lotus Cortina MKII that we have known since 2017 when we supplied it to the most recent owner, the former Chairman of the East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club. Over the past five years the Ford Lotus Cortina has won prizes and although fully rebuilt by a well-respected Ford specialist in 2012 and covering around 2000 miles since, it has had a further £15000 spent on it taking it to a first class level.

Following on from the enormous success of the Lotus Cortina MK1, Ford introduced the Lotus Cortina MkII in 1967 with the famous Lotus 1600 twin cam engine and these later cars have become incredibly sought after and desirable. Externally all the cars had a black front grill, 5.5J x 13 steel wheels and Lotus badges on both rear wings and by the rear number plate, and the gearbox ratios remained to 2000E spec, but the final drive was lengthened to 3.77 to 1 from 3.9 to 1 and comfort and handling improvements were made with a larger fuel tank and radial tyres.

This fine example is amongst the last produced and is a matching numbers car retaining its original engine and gearbox. KEC 103J is well known to the owner's club and Lotus Cortina Register, and was subject of a major rebuild by a well-respected Ford specialist in 2012. Since rebuild the Cortina has covered in the region of 2000 miles and comes with a comprehensive photographic record of the bare shell rebuild. The body was totally stripped down, taken down to bare metal and totally rebuilt to show condition. The car was built up with re-conditioned mechanicals and finished to original specification enabling the car to further appreciate over time and give it the maximum potential provenance. The result of the detailed, highly professional rebuild is a magnificent example with stunning bodywork, underside, paintwork and engine bay.

KEC 103J has a delightful interior that does have an original, correct appearance. Mechanically the car is excellent and is driving superbly with a fabulous engine, smooth gearbox and feels superb with tight steering, handling and efficient braking. The recent owner has been meticulous with maintenance and keeping the car presented in show condition and as result, with no expense spared has been incredibly fastidious in having work carried out on the car, even when deemed minor and not essential. £15000 has been spent on ensuring this example is truly outstanding in every respect, and it certainly will not disappoint This Ford Lotus Cortina MKII is an ideal collector's piece that can also be driven, used and enjoyed but is in a condition where it needs careful ownership to remain in pristine condition.