My fascination with English Fords, especially the Cortina, started back in 1987. I was working for an automotive performance parts manufacture and was out test driving a car that we had added some performance parts to. I noticed a diminutive white car with a green stripe in front of me at a stop light. The “Cortina” badge caught my eye and once the light turned green, the car hurried away. Of course I knew of the Cortina but never had the chance to see one before.
After some serious research, I was hooked and have managed to own some version of the Cortina ever since.
Fast forward 15 years to 2003. I’m searching the internet and spotted a classified ad on Australian Cortina web site for a Lotus Cortina located in Northern California. I had just completed restoration on a 1966 2 door GT and wasn’t really in the market for one. However, my friend John was interested in fine British steel so I contacted him. After some mild manipulation we decided to head north.
The next weekend, we started on a 6 hour road trip to inspect this rare example. It’s March and the rainy season in California and… it was raining. We managed to drag our mutual car buddy Robert along for the 2am departure. The fun started close to home when the car started to hydroplane at about 70mph.
Fast forward 15 years to 2003. I’m searching the internet and spotted a classified ad on Australian Cortina web site for a Lotus Cortina located in Northern California. I had just completed restoration on a 1966 2 door GT and wasn’t really in the market for one. However, my friend John was interested in fine British steel so I contacted him. After some mild manipulation we decided to head north.
The next weekend, we started on a 6 hour road trip to inspect this rare example. It’s March and the rainy season in California and… it was raining. We managed to drag our mutual car buddy Robert along for the 2am departure. The fun started close to home when the car started to hydroplane at about 70mph.
are not in the best condition.
We did manage to hit some clear
weather and made good time arriving at
10am.
We met up with the owner, Bob Clark and he lead us to the back yard of his mothers house were the car was stored. It was like an Indiana Jones adventure with Cortina surrounded by trees and spare parts, not to mention a stack of Lotus Elan bodies.
This very original Lotus Cortina had been in Bobs care sine the mid 70’s. The car had not been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles since 1977 but seemed in good condition. The engine bay was empty but we were assured an engine would be included.
The trunk was full of spares and the surrounding yard was well stocked too. You see, Bob was and still is somewhat the Lotus fan owning many Elans, Lotus Cortinas, and 7’s over the years but the time had come to let go of the the Cortina. The car was thoroughly inspected and photographed for consideration. It was decided on the trip back that John would purchase the car and store it at Rob’s house until restoration could begin. –end part 1- Next: The delivery.
