What size engine is in the Mk1 Lotus Cortina?
The Mk1 Lotus Cortina is powered by a 1.6-litre Lotus Twin Cam engine (about 1,558 cc), a four-cylinder DOHC unit developed by Lotus for Ford.
Built on the Ford Cortina Mk I platform in the early 1960s, the Lotus Cortina combined Lotus engineering with Ford’s compact sedan packaging to deliver a performance punch that helped redefine what a family car could be.
Engine size and design
The following specifications summarize the engine's displacement, configuration and delivery characteristics.
- Displacement: 1,558 cc (approximately 1.56 L)
- Configuration: Inline four-cylinder, double overhead camshaft (DOHC), eight valves
- Induction: Twin carburetors (Weber or SU depending on market/spec)
- Power output: around 105 bhp (gross) at approximately 6,500–6,800 rpm
- Torque: roughly 100 lb-ft (135 N·m) at mid-range revs
- Original application: Ford Cortina Mk I body, produced for the Lotus Cortina variant (1963–1966)
These specifications reflect the standard Ford Lotus Cortina engine used in road-going cars; performance-oriented variants for competition could see modest increases in output.
Context and impact
The 1.6‑liter Lotus Twin Cam engine was a centerpiece of the Cortina's performance image in the 1960s. It fused Lotus's lightweight, high-revving approach with Ford's practical sedan packaging, helping the Mk1 Cortina dominate touring car races and win fans among enthusiasts.
Summary
The Mk1 Lotus Cortina uses a 1.6-litre Lotus Twin Cam engine (about 1,558 cc), a DOHC four-cylinder with eight valves, delivering roughly 105 bhp in standard form and pairing with twin carburetors to provide spirited performance for its era.
How to identify a real Mk1 Lotus Cortina?
THE IDENTIFICATION PLATE
The second is an oblong plate, used for the 1965 and 1966 production years. 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.
What is the top speed of the Ford Lotus Cortina?
108mph
In 1963, the Ford Cortina Lotus was born, thankfully more recognisably known as the 'Lotus Cortina', with a road-going version and a race-trim version. The road going car revving to 8,000 RPM singing all the way to 108mph was like a rocket ship in the day, and the race-trim version eaking out to 145mph.
What engine came in the Lotus Cortina?
Twin-Cam I4
What engines did the Cortina Mk1 have?
Mark I (1962–1966)
| Cortina Mark I | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2 L Kent I4 1.5 L Kent I4 1.6 L Twin-Cam I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 98 in (2,489 mm) |
