1963 Ford Cortina - Lotus Cortina Race Car Recreation

KEY FACTS

• This Ford Cortina is a well-known car in the historic racing community, which was transformed into a competitive race-prepared tribute to the iconic Lotus Cortina.
• Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre twin-cam inline-four, which sends its power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• First registered in May 1963, this Cortina was later highly successful in historic racing in UK racing circuits between 1999 and 2004, and was known as ‘LUV 12’ due to the plates adorning it (even though it was never officially registered with these plates).
• The Cortina was one of two team cars professionally prepared and run, with engines built and developed by Nick Stagg Engineering.
• It achieved numerous victories in both the HSCC (Historic Sports Car Club) series and FIA races abroad, and was driven at the likes of Spa Francorchamps and the A1-Ring.
• The previous owner noted that Phil House raced this car with considerable success in the HSCC between 2017 and 2021.
• It was built to full FIA-approved specification, but does not have current FIA paperwork.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Built using the identity of a Ford Cortina 1500 Super, this Mk1 model is now finished in the timeless shade of Old English White with contrasting Sherwood Green accents, over a fully stripped-out body-coloured cabin, featuring a black cloth-trimmed Sparco bucket seat, a black dashboard and door cards, and chrome trim highlights.
• It rides on a set of 13-inch Minator eight-spoke alloy wheels fitted with Dunlop Racing tyres.
• Equipment includes leather bonnet and boot tie-down straps, kill switches, a rear rain light, a black leather-trimmed steering wheel, a full roll cage, a Sparco harness, a plumbed-in Lifeline fire extinguisher system, a custom dashboard control panel with toggle switches, a drilled aluminium driver’s footrest, an alloy fuel cell, a Facet fuel pump, front strut brace, an aluminium radiator, individual throttle body trumpets, braided fuel lines, an aluminium expansion tank, and a Stack rev-counter with digital display.
• The car comes with a large collection of spare parts and service parts, the original stamped registration booklet, the V5C, the Historic Sports Car Club vehicle identity form, a typed-out history of the car, period photos of the car, photos of restoration work, a Welsh test certificate, and a recent maintenance invoice.
• Please note: the V5C records the VIN for this car as starting with a ‘2’ when it should start with ‘Z’, denoting the Dagenham assembly plant.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: The car has undergone repainting in its past, and it now shows a race-worn patina. Inside, the cabin has been fully stripped out for racing purposes.

SERVICE HISTORY

• During winter 2024, the car received a refresh of the differential, new driveshafts, and new ignition, with less than two hours of running since.
• In February 2023, Oselli Classic & Sports Cars carried out significant engine work, including: the cylinder block being bored out, new liners fitted, the new liners bored out, the crank polished, crack tested and inspected, the steel main caps being checked and honed, new main bearings, all rotating parts checked, the crankshaft, flywheel and clutch balanced, the connecting rods checked and balanced end-over-end, a new set of Omega pistons fitted, checked and balanced, and the pistons being machined to achieve a compression ratio of 11.25:1. The car has only had around two hours of running time since this work was completed.
• Further work carried out during this time includes: the cylinder head being overhauled, new valve guides, the inlet and exhaust ports being ported and polished, all valves being reconditioned, all the springs being checked, all the valve clearances being adjusted, and the water pump being overhauled with new rotors and seals.
• The carburettors have also been fully rebuilt, new front brake discs and pads have been fitted, and the seat belts and fire extinguisher were renewed in 2023.

SUMMARY

This Ford Cortina is a beloved classic British icon, which was transformed into a highly competitive and race-proven tribute to the iconic Lotus Cortina by Nick Stagg Engineering, and which boasts numerous motorsport victories through its well-known career on track. Faithfully finished in the recognisable Lotus colour scheme, and boasting excellent racing provenance, it would make a rewarding addition to any motorsport collection and an evidently highly competitive entrant for various historic race series.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

Classic and collectible vehicles may have had cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually apparent. Photographs may not accurately reflect colour or condition, so buyers should confirm key details directly with the seller. Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a car or bike. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.