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London-Sydney Lotus Cortina  Click top right to view imges 

With a rallying and racing history along with that warming feeling of familiarity there is nothing quite like a Ford Cortina, especially if it is a Lotus. A six-car works team took part in the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon and Roger Clark came within a whisker of winning only to be denied victory by a trivial problem at the end of the event.

This stunning example is no exception. From its Ermine White and Sherwood Green paintwork to its special 2.0 litre power unit, coupled with its rallying prowess, this car is sure to get any car enthusiast’s heart racing.

From the outset, the car’s mantra has been authenticity. It was originally built out of the back door of the ‘Works’ for two influential Ford associates (Peter Sugden, advertising director at Ford’s agency Ogilvy & Mather and Stuart McCrudden, Ford PR agent) for the 25th anniversary 1993 London to Sydney marathon and was later used in the 1995 London to Mexico rally. The engineers at Ford applied the experience gained during the intervening period with Works Escorts to this Lotus Cortina and created a unique vehicle; ‘The Escortina’,

After the London to Mexico, the car was largely dismantled to be robbed of its GP1v Escort running gear. Left to slumber for many years, the shell was rescued and reunited with all the right bits and has been treated to an impeccable and thorough rebuild from 2010 to 2012 and has recently made the cover of the July 2013 issue of Retro Ford magazine.

This Cortina has been built with new parts to a superb standard with the ultimate goal of being a truly awesome long distance rally car. It is that rare mix of authentic identity coupled with a brave history supported by sound preparation.

The Escortina has been half way across the world twice and is a ‘ready-to-go’ opportunity to repeat the process for a new intrepid owner.

And it is the right stuff, just read through this spec list:

Stitch Welded Shell with full multipoint roll-cage from the front struts to the rear towers. Five-link rear axle boxes, reinforced strut tops and spring towers.

Dolphin Motorsport 2.0 Litre SOHC Ford Pinto engine running on a 38 DGAS carburettor. Piper 285 camshaft and ‘Exhaust by Design’ four-into-two stainless steel manifold. Rolling road-tested at 145BHP at 6,250rpm with 140ft/lbs of torque at 4,000rpm.

Uprated Type 9 gearbox, single piece propshaft, braced Baby Atlas Axle with a 4.6:1 Quaiffe LSD and Tran X two piece H/D half shafts.

Sierra Cosworth single piston rear brake calipers, Capri 2.8 ventilated front brake discs along with spaced M16 calipers. Twin circuit pedal box with interior cockpit adjustment. Hydraulic handbrake with cable back up. Copper hard brake lines through interior with Aeroquip braded sections feeding each corner.

Front suspension with adjustable platform seats on Capri 2.8 struts. Adjustable track control arms and Capri 2.8 anti-roll bar with double width mounts. 225lbs Road springs.

Rear suspension with GAZ long travel dampers with adjustable spring seats, 140lb/in coil springs. Five link.

Long range endurance spec foam filled alloy fuel tank with 120 litre capacity. Twin solid state fuel pumps. Steel braided Teflon coated fuel lines through interior of car.

Four spare wheels mounted in boot area.

Interior boasts reclining seats for both driver and co-driver. Plumbed in 4 litre fire extinguisher system along with a pair of 1.75 AFFF hand-held. Individually fused circuits with all relays mounted on centre console. Six dial instrument display. (Note: Halda not included in sale).

This car offers brilliant value-for-money for a Cortina that is finished to a top level standard and that is unique and turnkey ready for anyone wanting an endurance rally machine.

£43,000

Contact Alex Postan on 01993 842740 or alexander@postan.plus.com