1964 FORD CORTINA LOTUS

Belgian title
Chassis n° BA74FS59243

• Superb Group 2 preparation
• A legendary model
• Very well preserved

Baudouin Lempereur bought this car in 2013 from an enthusiast from Thuin in Belgium in exactly the same condition as today. It had been meticulously prepared to Group 2 specification by the model specialists Mecauto, with the work including fitting a strengthened bodyshell, an aluminium radiator, a front- mounted oil cooler, two twin- choke Weber 40 carburettors and an aluminium breather, as well as installing a four-speed straight cut gearbox, a banjo-type limited-slip differential and a bolted roll cage from Safety Devices. Externally, the car was equipped with additional driving lamps.
Everything possible has been done to ensure that this Cortina Lotus will win, with no room for half measures. Its exterior finish, with yellow paint set off by a black stripe, is utterly beautiful and gives the impression that the car has never turned a wheel on track. A certificate from Ford of Belgium further confirms that the chassis number was re-stamped in its original position, as the body part where it was located had to be replaced when the car was restored.
Won over by its condition and magnificent appearance, Lempereur bought the Cortina Lotus with the intention of competing in regularity rallies, but its extreme handling was scarcely suited to such use, and in the end, he only used the car once when he acquired it before carefully storing it away. In any event, its preparation is a tribute to this legendary model, which saw some of the greatest drivers, including of course the famous Jim Clark, achieve brilliant results at its wheel.

Photo © Peter Singhof

The auction of this lot will take place on Saturday 19 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1964-ford-cortina-lotus-no-reserve-4134-365