1970 FORD CORTINA

1970 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk2 – Alan Mann Red & Gold

MOT: Historic vehicle – MOT exempt

Colour: Alan Mann-inspired red and gold

Current ownership: 2 years

A striking Mk2 Cortina with Lotus power and competition-inspired looks

Few colour schemes suit a classic Ford quite like the famous red and gold associated with Alan Mann Racing.

This 1970 Ford Cortina Mk2 combines those unmistakable competition-inspired looks with a 1,558cc Lotus engine, presenting today in excellent exterior condition and with a very good interior.

Its history includes a substantial restoration believed to have been undertaken around 1996, supported by numerous photographs documenting the restoration project.

This is a very attractive, well-presented and much-admired Mk2 Cortina.

Exterior

The standout feature is undoubtedly the red and gold Alan Mann-style colour scheme.

Deep red paintwork is complemented by the distinctive gold side treatment, creating a look immediately reminiscent of the Alan Mann Racing Fords that became such a familiar sight in motorsport during the 1960s.

The exterior condition is described as excellent, with the colour combination giving the Cortina considerably more presence than a standard road-going example.

Chrome bumpers, window surrounds and period detailing complete the appearance, while the traditional wheels keep the overall presentation suitably understated.

Interior

The interior remains in very good condition and retains the simple, purposeful atmosphere that makes these cars so appealing.

Rather than attempting to modernise the car, its presentation remains in keeping with the Mk2's period character.

Engine and mechanical condition

Under the bonnet is a 1,558cc Lotus engine.

The car is reported to drive well and has benefited from a considerable amount of recent maintenance and mechanical work, including:

New rear leaf springs

Full service

New head gasket

Replacement engine mounts

New clutch slave cylinder

Offside rear wheel bearing replaced

New battery

New carburettor jets

This recent work should be particularly reassuring to anyone looking for a classic that can be enjoyed rather than simply displayed.

As a historic vehicle, the Cortina is MOT exempt.

Restoration and history

A large collection of photographs accompanies the car and records an extensive restoration undertaken around 1996.

The Alan Mann red and gold colour scheme has clearly become an important part of the car's identity.

The present owner has enjoyed the Cortina for approximately two years.

An award-winning show car

The car isn't simply attractive in photographs. It has previously been recognised at Lotus Cortina National Day events.

Included with the car are awards recording:

2017 – Highly Commended

2018 – Runner Up

2019 – Best Mk2

The accompanying trophies provide a particularly nice addition to the history of the car and demonstrate the regard in which its presentation has previously been held by Lotus Cortina enthusiasts.

Summary

This is an especially eye-catching Mk2 Cortina.

Its combination of Lotus 1,558cc power, excellent bodywork, very good interior, extensive restoration photographs and the distinctive red-and-gold Alan Mann-inspired colour scheme gives it considerable appeal.

Just as importantly, it comes with evidence of enthusiastic previous ownership. Recognition at successive Lotus Cortina National Day events in 2017, 2018 and 2019 adds another interesting dimension to its history.

The car has also benefited from significant recent mechanical maintenance and is reported to drive very well.

For somebody looking for an immaculate-looking, characterful and highly distinctive fast Ford from this era, it represents a very interesting opportunity.