For sale by auction on Saturday 1st September 2012 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey

•Registration: ENJ712C

•Chassis Number: BA74EP59176

•Engine Number: LP4932LBA

•Odometer reading: 03,868

•Estimate: £40,000 - £50,000

The history of the Lotus Cortina began in 1961 after Colin Chapman decided he wanted to build his own engines for Lotus. His chance came when he commissioned Harry Mundy to design a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine. The engine's first appearance was in 1962 at the N¼rburgring in a Lotus 23 driven by Jim Clark. Immediately after and almost as soon as the engine appeared in the Lotus Elan, it was recalled and replaced with a larger capacity unit to get the car closer to the 1.6 litre capacity class in motorsport.

Whilst the engine was being developed, Walter Hayes from Ford asked Colin Chapman if he would fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 homologation. Chapman quickly accepted and the Type 28 or Lotus-Cortina was duly launched. Ford supplied the two door Cortina body shells and took care of all the marketing and selling of the cars whilst Lotus did all the mechanical and cosmetic changes. The major changes involved installing the 1,558cc engine together with the same close-ratio gearbox as the Elan. The cars also received front quarter bumpers and round Lotus badges were fitted to rear wings and to the left side of the radiator panel. Interior modifications were limited to a centre console designed to accommodate the new gear lever position, different seats and the later style dashboard featuring tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel level gauges as well as a wood-rimmed steering wheel. The early cars were very popular and earned some rave reviews; one magazine described the car as a tin-top version of a Lotus 7. It was 'THE' car for many enthusiasts who before had to settle for a Cortina GT or a Mini-Cooper and it also amazed a lot of the public who were used to overweight 'sports cars' such as the Austin-Healey 3000. The Lotus Cortina had by this time earned an awesome competition reputation and is highly prized today.

Registered on 11th June 1965, this Lotus Cortina is a credit to its fastidious owner. The underside is as clean as she is on top; this is not just any Lotus Cortina, this is one to win shows with. The restoration work carried out has been to the highest standard and it is hard to find fault with this car. The traditional white and green paintwork is complemented by the black interior with all the correct instrumentation and switchgear. Described by the vendor as driving and performing as she should, this is a Lotus to grace any collection. Already known to the Lotus Cortina club, an inspection is scheduled to be carried out prior to the auction, with a certificate issued confirming its authenticity. Cortina Mk.I's have been on the increase of late; genuine Lotus Cortinas are rare and hard to find; to come across one in this condition is remarkable.