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Is the Lotus Cortina a Ford?

No, the Lotus Cortina is not a Ford. The Lotus Cortina was a high-performance version of the Ford Cortina, developed in collaboration between Ford and Lotus, the British sports car manufacturer.


What is the Lotus Cortina?


The Lotus Cortina, also known as the Ford Cortina Lotus, was a special edition of the Ford Cortina produced from 1963 to 1970. It was the result of a partnership between Ford and Lotus, where Lotus took the standard Ford Cortina and modified it to create a high-performance, lightweight sports sedan.


How was the Lotus Cortina different from the standard Ford Cortina?



  • The Lotus Cortina had a more powerful 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, developed by Lotus, that produced around 105 horsepower, significantly more than the standard Cortina's engine.

  • Lotus also made modifications to the suspension, brakes, and bodywork to improve the car's handling and performance.

  • The Lotus Cortina had distinctive exterior features, such as a unique front grille, badging, and two-tone paint schemes.

  • Inside, the Lotus Cortina had a sportier interior with bucket seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.


While the Lotus Cortina was based on the Ford Cortina, it was a distinct model developed in collaboration between Ford and Lotus, with significant performance and styling enhancements. It was not simply a Ford Cortina, but a unique high-performance variant.


Why was the Lotus Cortina significant?


The Lotus Cortina was significant because it demonstrated the successful partnership between a mainstream automaker (Ford) and a specialized sports car manufacturer (Lotus). It allowed Lotus to showcase its engineering expertise and create a high-performance version of a popular Ford model, while Ford benefited from the increased performance and prestige associated with the Lotus brand.


The Lotus Cortina was also successful in motorsports, winning numerous races and championships, further enhancing its reputation and the collaboration between Ford and Lotus.

Does Ford Cortina never rust?


Cortinas did like to rust a bit, but were mechanically simple and pretty reliable. They were also fixable by the amateur home mechanic.



Is a lotus cortina the same as a Ford Cortina?


Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high-performance sports saloon, which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars.



Why did Ford stop making the Cortina?


The 80s demanded a new shape, and a fresh design was what the decade got. The name had to change too, though – but the replacement was almost too radical for Ford's own good. So, the straightforward Cortina was axed, and the all-new Ford Sierra was ushered in. The difference between the two cars was night and day.



What is the most used Ford in the US?


Ford F-Series
The Ford F-150's offers the best attributes of a modern pickup: power, efficiency, comfort and capability. Add to that a huge range of configurations and options, and you've got the best-selling vehicle in America for 2023.



Did Ford sell the Cortina in the US?


Ford in the United States imported both the Mark I and Mark II Cortina models. The Mark II was sold in the United States from 1967, achieving 16,193 cars sold in its first year. Sales of the Mark II in 1968 were 22,983. Sales in 1969 reached 21,496.



What was the American equivalent to the Ford Cortina?


But back in 1964, its USDM equivalent would be the Ford Fairlane. While the Fairlane was 5,002 mm (197“) long, hulking sedan riding on a 2,934 mm (115.5“) wheelbase, with a 2.8-litre straight six (145hp) as a base engine (a 4.7/289 c.i. V8 with 271hp was available), the Cortina was a different beast altogether.



Is a Lotus Cortina the same as a Ford Cortina?


Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high-performance sports saloon, which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars.



What is the history of the Ford Lotus Cortina?


The history of the Cortina Lotus began in 1961. Colin Chapman had been wishing to build his own engines for Lotus, mainly because the Coventry Climax unit was so expensive. Colin Chapman's chance came when he commissioned Harry Mundy to design a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine.



Is Lotus a part of Ford?


Currently, Lotus is owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational company, and Etika Automotive.



Is Cortina Lotus or Ford?


Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high-performance sports saloon, which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.