History 1960s

Ford Cortina Lotus Mk1

Overview Specs Highlights Characteristics

Overview

The Lotus Cortina (officially Ford Cortina Lotus Mk1), introduced in 1963, was a high-performance homologation special born from a collaboration between Ford and Lotus. Developed under Colin Chapman’s direction, the car featured extensive performance modifications to the standard Cortina shell, including lightweight panels, a close-ratio gearbox, and a Lotus-tuned 1.6L Twin Cam engine. It quickly became a dominant force in rallying and touring car competition during the mid-to-late 1960s, helping define the blueprint for fast Fords to follow.

Technical Specs & Innovations

Innovations included an aluminum-alloy head, lightweight alloy panels (bonnet, boot, doors), a revised rear suspension layout for improved traction, and competition-spec Girling disc brakes up front. These features gave the Lotus Cortina superior handling and braking for its time.

🏆 Competitive Highlights

  • 1964 Tulip Rally – Class Victory — Jim Clark showcased the car’s pace and durability on mixed-surface European stages.
  • 1965 RAC Rally – Class Winner — Multiple Lotus Cortinas excelled in wet and muddy British conditions, highlighting their chassis superiority.
  • 1966 Circuit of Ireland – Overall Victory — Billy Coleman and other top drivers used the car’s light weight and agility to full advantage.

The Lotus Cortina also participated in the Monte Carlo and East African Safari Rallies, where its mix of speed and simplicity allowed it to compete effectively even against more powerful rivals.

Driving Characteristics

The Lotus Cortina was known for razor-sharp handling, excellent weight distribution, and a rev-happy twin-cam engine. The steering was direct and communicative, and the car’s light weight allowed for confident cornering and rapid acceleration out of tight bends. Drivers praised its ability to dance across loose gravel or bite into twisty tarmac roads with equal precision.

← Previous Car Ford Anglia 105E
Back to Cars Index
Ford Escort Twin Cam Ml1 Next Car →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.