Guide price: £25000 - £30000. <ul><li>Single ownership from 1968 to 2009 and just two previous keepers on V5c</li><li>Original Lotus engine running very well with just 65,000 miles showing</li><li>With some period features, enjoy as is or return to factory specification</li><li>These Lotus-powered MkII Cortinas are just great to drive and rarely come to market…</li></ul><p> </p><p>Following on from the enormous success of the Ford Cortina Lotus (now referred to as the MkI), Ford introduced the Lotus Cortina Mk2 in 1967, with the famous Lotus 1558cc twin cam engine now producing 109bhp. The vast majority of the MkIIs were finished in Ermine White, with a few making it through in other colours, but they all shared a black front grill, 5.5J x 13 steel wheels, and Lotus badges on both rear wings and by the rear number plate. The gearbox ratios remained to 2000E spec, but the final drive was lengthened to 3.77 to 1 from 3.9 to 1 and comfort and handling improvements were made with a larger cockpit, fuel tank and radial tyres.</p><p>Since taking delivery of ‘TPE 366F’ in January 1968, the original owner would eventually part company after 41 years. Searching through the history file it is clear that this example had been loved and looked after, and looking at the condition of the car we can only assume over the years used mainly in dry conditions and stored correctly. The history folder also includes 21 MoTs and the original Lotus Cortina handbook, offering no reason to discount the indicated mileage of 65,270. Having been fitted with a colour-coded Everflex Roof and a Britax sunshine roof in 1980, we believe there is potential scope here to return the car back to factory specification or simply enjoy the charm of the extremely well preserved period modification. Driving lamps and an early Cobra security system had also been fitted at this time. </p><p>Values of Mk.1 Lotus Cortinas tend to be linked to their originality, but with the later Mk.IIs it has become common to find engine upgrades, brakes and suspension mods, and some cosmetic changes and, at the moment, these factors do not detract at all from the values of these cars which have remained fairly sensible. This is a great useable classic for someone who wants to use his car in the way that Lotus intended. </p>