The Mk 2 was a worthy successor to the much-loved Lotus Cortina Mk 1 once the latter’s production ceased in 1966. Ford was pleased with the Mk 1’s competition record, which was aided by legendary driver Jim Clark, who raced L/Cs on the weekends, “in between” grand prix events. Even as a “part-time” entrant, Clark drove the Mk 1 in British, European, Belgian, Austrian, Swedish, South African, and New Zealand championships between 1964 and 1966. He is perhaps best known for his spectacular and daring drive down the bobsled run at Cortina, Italy, when the new model was introduced. Meanwhile, it was up to Sir John Whitmore to capture the European Touring Car Championship for Lotus in 1965.

To resolve some of the complaints about the Mk 1’s everyday reliability and quality control, Ford decided to build the new Mk 2 at its own factory in Dagenham, which was a decision that was eased by the fact that Lotus was in the midst of moving its own manufacturing from Cheshunt to Hethel. The second-generation model was named, at Ford’s request, the “Ford Cortina Lotus”. Whilst it was a bit shorter and heavier than the Mk 1, power was increased to 109 brake horsepower, as per the Mk 1’s Special Equipment optional specification. Unlike the Mk 1, which could be had only in white with a green flash, the Mk 2 was available in a broad range of colours and a side stripe was available from dealers. The gear-change was improved, there was a larger petrol tank, and the rear axle ratio changed from 3.9 to 3.77. Racing versions rang up a stellar competition record until it was in turn succeeded by the Ford Escort series.

This Ford Cortina Lotus Mk 2 has an interesting story to tell. Whilst painted a unique shade of amber gold, it was a gift to Lotus founder Colin Chapman by the Ford Motor Company. Some say it was a “good-bye” present, and Chapman is said to have driven it quite enthusiastically until the late 1970s, at which time it was placed in the Lotus museum in Hethel with just 14,223 miles recorded. It was subsequently purchased by the current owner from the factory museum in 1998. It was then treated to a thorough re-commissioning by Paul Matty Sports Cars in Worcestershire before being shipped to the United States.

In 2003, the current owner drove the Mk 2 from New York to Detroit to participate in Ford’s 100th anniversary celebration, where it was displayed in the Ford Racing tent next to the John Whitmore racing Mk 1 Cortinas. The car currently shows approximately 24,700 original miles, and its golden finish remains in good condition, as do the excellent tan vinyl upholstery and black carpets. The owner says this car has been driven frequently, regularly maintained, and thoroughly enjoyed. It has also been written about in several U.S. magazines, as well as in England’s CAR (October 1999) and the Lotus Club International magazine (Autumn 2009). A large folio of historic documents and receipts and a spare wheel, jack, and tools are included with the purchase of this car.