What is the top speed of the Lotus Cortina Mk2?
Performance context
The Mk2 Lotus Cortina is a lightweight, high-revving 1.6-litre twin-cam designed for nimble performance. Road tests from the late 1960s and contemporary enthusiasts place its top speed in a fairly tight band due to consistent power output and close-ratio gearing.
Below are the main factors that influence the top speed of the Mk2; the following list addresses the main influences.
- Engine output and rev range (the 1.6 L Lotus Twin Cam typically produces around 110–115 hp in common Mk2 configurations).
- Gearing and final-drive ratios (shorter gearing can improve acceleration but may limit top speed in certain RPM ranges).
- Weight and aerodynamics (the Mk2 is light and relatively aerodynamic for its era, contributing to a favorable power-to-weight ratio).
- Tyres and condition (stickier tyres and proper tuning can yield higher effective top speeds; wear and alignment can reduce it).
In summary, top speed is a function of power, gearing, and aerodynamics, with condition and setup playing a significant role in where the Mk2 sits on the speed dial.
Technical specifications and performance notes
Core specifications and typical performance figures cited by road tests and collector sources include the following:
- Engine: 1.6-litre Lotus Twin Cam, DOHC, 4 cylinders
- Power: typically around 110–115 hp (gross) in commonly cited Mk2 configurations
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox (close-ratio emphasis for performance)
- Top speed: commonly cited in the 110–125 mph range (177–201 km/h), with many tests around 115–120 mph
- Weight: roughly 900–1,000 kg depending on specification and equipment
Notes: Figures vary by source, year of production, and the car’s condition and setup (gearing, tyres, and aero mods). Enthusiasts and historic tests consistently place the Mk2’s top end in the low-to-mid 120 mph band under favorable conditions.
Conclusion and historical context
The Lotus Cortina Mk2 remains a benchmark for mid-1960s small-performance sedans. While exact top speed numbers differ between road tests, the consensus places the Mk2 in the vicinity of 110–125 mph, with common figures around 115–120 mph in standard form.
Summary
In practical terms, the Lotus Cortina Mk2 reaches about 120 mph in standard form, though real-world results vary with gearing, tyres, and overall condition. Its combination of a rev-happy 1.6-litre engine, lightweight construction, and tuned handling made it a notable performer of its era.
What is the top speed of a Lotus Cortina?
104 mph
Developed by Ford as a high performance, sports saloon model in collaboration with that other classic giant of British motoring, Lotus, the Ford Lotus Cortina is a winning little vintage car, powered on a 1.6 Inline 4 engine with 110 bhp, and a top speed of 104 mph.
How fast can a Lotus go from 0 to 60?
But anyway let's get on with this speed. Test. Foreign didn't do it. Then 10.78 we've gone quicker. Not to 60 in under three seconds Lotus.
What are MK2 cortinas worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,400 for a 1968 Ford Cortina Mk II in good condition with average spec.
How many lotus cortinas are left?
| 2025 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| FORD CORTINA MK1 LOTUS | 180 | 170 |
| FORD CORTINA MK2 LOTUS | 116 | 103 |
| LOTUS CORTINA | 31 | 32 |
