A sixty-year-old Ford Cortina has sold for a whopping £41,000.
The 1965 Lotus Mk1 was verified by the manufacturer’s register.
The white motor with green stripes had only done 2,561 miles.
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That is just 42 miles per year or 0.8 miles per month on average.
In 1962, the Ford Cortina Mark I was designed to become an inexpensive family car to run in Britain.
In 1963, the Cortina Lotus had suspension tweaks and steering modifications, as well as the use of aluminium body panels to save weight.
Joint work between Ford and Lotus produced a higher-powered, twin-cam version of its engine.
The car was developed with the aim of bringing the Ford company success in the highly competitive Group 2 Touring Car series.
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It had a 1,558cc engine along with a close-ratio gearbox, front quarter bumpers and Lotus badges.
They also made changes to the interior with a new centre console to accommodate a revised gear lever position, different seats and a later styled dashboard that incorporated a tachometer, odometer, oil pressure, water temperature and fuel gauges.
A wood-rimmed steering wheel was the finishing touch, as reported by Whats The Jam.
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Ahead of its sale, its listing said: “Finished in Ermine white with the instantly recognisable Sherwood Green flash, this particular early Lotus Cortina Mk1 is in outstanding condition throughout after being the subject of a comprehensive restoration in recent years.
“The vendor asked Andy Morrell, Lotus Cortina Club Registrar and Mk1 ‘guru’, to cast his eye over this immaculate machine to ensure that what was on offer was as correct as it possibly could be.
“It passed with flying colours with the exception of an incorrect water bottle, now replaced, and an odd track-rod end, which has also now been replaced with the correct item.
“It should also be noted that the original chassis number is no longer assigned to the vehicle as the original chassis plate, usually pop riveted to the inner wing, was mislaid during the rebuild with the fastidious restorer questioning this with the DVLA, who issued a replacement chassis number now shown and fitted in its correct place.
“All documented and noted by Andy Morrell.
“The car remains in outstanding condition throughout with a notable attention to detail and remarkably standard apart from a few very minor approved upgrades, including QED Q360 camshafts fitted during the engine rebuild completed some years ago.
“With a comprehensive history file and beautifully presented, we suggest that this cherished Mk1 is more than worthy of your early inspection to confirm that it fulfils all your requirements.
“A delightful example that will provide much enjoyment to the next custodian for years to come.”
It was sold by Iconic Auctioneers at Silverstone, Northants, for £41,063.
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