How many lotus cortinas were made?
The Lotus Cortina, a collaboration between Ford and Lotus, was a high-performance sports sedan that left an indelible mark on automotive history. While the exact production numbers are not widely documented, it is estimated that around 3,300 Lotus Cortinas were manufactured during its production run from 1963 to 1970.
The Origins of the Lotus Cortina
The Lotus Cortina was born out of a partnership between Ford and Lotus, two iconic British automotive brands. In the early 1960s, Lotus founder Colin Chapman approached Ford with the idea of creating a high-performance version of the Ford Cortina, a popular mid-sized sedan. The result was a unique blend of Ford's engineering and Lotus's racing expertise, giving birth to a car that would become a legend in its own right.
Specifications and Performance
The Lotus Cortina was powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that had been extensively modified by Lotus. This engine produced around 105 horsepower, a significant increase over the standard Cortina's output. The car's lightweight construction, featuring a reinforced chassis and aluminum body panels, allowed it to achieve impressive performance figures for the time, with a top speed of over 100 mph and a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds.
Motorsport Success
The Lotus Cortina's true calling was on the racetrack. The car's nimble handling and powerful engine made it a formidable competitor in various motorsport events, including the British Touring Car Championship and the European Touring Car Championship. Driven by legendary drivers such as Jim Clark and Sir John Whitmore, the Lotus Cortina secured numerous victories and championships, cementing its place in the annals of motorsport history.
Legacy and Collectibility
The Lotus Cortina's impact on the automotive world has endured long after its production ended. Today, these cars are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, with well-maintained examples commanding premium prices. The Lotus Cortina's blend of performance, style, and racing pedigree has made it a true icon of the 1960s, and its legacy continues to inspire car enthusiasts around the world.
Does Jeremy Clarkson own a Cortina?
Jeremy Clarkson's Car Collection: A Blend Of Classic Beauty And Modern Power. Jeremy Clarkson, a globally recognised automobile critic, boasts an extensive car collection featuring over 28 vehicles. Among these, his first car was the 1969 Ford Cortina MK2 1600E.
How to identify a real Mk1 Lotus Cortina?
THE IDENTIFICATION PLATE
The main information on the plate is the Vehicle Number. This uniquely identifies each car, and is also the number stamped onto the inner wing in front of the right side strut top mounting area.
How much horsepower does the Lotus Cortina have?
The engine was based on Ford's Kent engine but modified with Lotus' twin-cam cross-flow cylinder head for superior breathing and combustion. The result was 105 horsepower at 5500 rpm, double the number of the regular Cortina ! As the car was compact and lightweight, it guaranteed a good turn of speed.
How many Cortina savages are left?
Uren is believed to have built a total of 1,700 vehicles, including the Cortina Savage and other models such as the Escort-based Navajo and Apache, and the Capri-based Comanche and Stampede. Five surviving Mk3 Cortina Savages are known to the Cortina Mark Three Club, two of which are still on the road.
How many Lotus 11 were made?
270 Elevens
The Lotus Eleven is a sports racing car built in various versions by Lotus from 1956 until 1958. The later versions built in 1958 are sometimes referred to as Lotus 13, although this was not an official designation. In total, about 270 Elevens of all versions were built.
How fast was a Lotus Cortina?
Behind the wheel of the Lotus Cortina, you could achieve top speeds of 104 mph, with acceleration from 0 - 60 mph in 11 seconds.
How many cortinas are left?
There are 577 FORD CORTINA left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0019% of all UK vehicles are FORD CORTINA. Vehicle data is updated in near real-time as they pass & fail MOT tests.
Is Jim Clark a billionaire?
After three years in exile in the realm of nine-figure fortunes, Clark is back on the Forbes Billionaires List this year, cracking the $1 billion threshold thanks to super successful bets on some of Silicon Valley's biggest companies.
How many Mk1 Lotus cortinas were made?
There were 3,306 Mark I and 4,093 Mark 2 Lotus Cortinas produced.
How much is Jim Clark Lotus Cortina worth?
Its pre-auction estimate runs at £200,000-£250,000 but it comes with huge motor racing pedigree. As well as the F1 champion, the now fully restored Lotus Cortina Mk1 was also driven by touring car champions Sir John Whitmore and “Gentleman” Jack Sears as part of the 1965 Lotus works team.
