LOTUS CORTINA MkI

(1963-66)

That old adage ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ perfectly sums up this hot version of the family-favourite Cortina, one that’s passed into classic car and motorsport folklore. Essentially a homologation special for Group 2 racing, Colin Chapman’s decision to add a Harry Mundy-designed twin-cam cylinder head to Ford’s Kent engine was at the very heart of the Lotus Cortina, which arrived in February 1963 with a price tag of £910.

But it wasn’t just the highly-tuneable 105bhp motor that made it special – the rest of the specification was an equally tasty confection. The bodywork featured lightweight alloy panels – they became optional from July 1964 – and there was bespoke rear suspension, softer settings responsible for those famous images of cars cornering with the front wheel hanging in the air. And then there was that famous colour scheme.

But what really mattered was motorsport, the Lotus Cortina proving to be competitive right from the start and by 1964 it had won the British Saloon Car Championship in the talented hands of Jim Clark. If you want to celebrate both the car and its legendary driver, then this Scottish event is one we urge you not to miss, not least because it’s marking its tenth year in some style.

This year’s event will see it holding the first Jim Clark Memorial Road Run, a cracking selection of classics heading off for a two-hour drive through the surroundings of Linlithgow. Jim Clark’s cousin, Doug Niven, will be getting things underway and the drivers are scheduled to return to the town’s high street for 12.30pm where around 200 vintage, classic and sports cars will be on display.

Doug will be bringing along two of Clark’s cars and there will be plenty of memorabilia on display, making this the best possible way of paying homage to Scotland’s most famous World Champion. And with his name indelibly linked with the cracking Lotus Cortina the chance to get up close to these desirable classics is always special. The atmosphere is going to be brilliant, so if you’re looking for an event north of the border then make sure it’s this one.

1963 LOTUS CORTINA MkI ENGINE 1558cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 105bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 108lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 110mph 0-60MPH 13sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual

A sporting saloon with motorsport heritage, no wonder this ‘Tina is so sought-after. PHOTOGRAPH Laurens Parsons

A terrific event, we can’t think of a finer way to remember a racing legend.

Classy interior with a legendary badge that just begs you to go faster.

Re-imagined Kent engine was the Lotus Cortina’s crowning glory.

An unmistakeable design that’s almost as rewarding to look at as it is to drive.