NOTE THIS SECTION IS CURRENTLY BEING RE_WRITTEN TO BE FAR MORE COMPREHENSIVE & AND FAR MORE ACCURATE !!! DUE Feb / Mar 2017

Ignore what’s on here currently as I’m playing around with layout ideas

 

MK1 LOTUS CORTINA ORIGINALITY

This section identifies the original specification for the Mk1 Lotus Cortina.The purpose of the section is to show what original specification looks like for each of the variants of the Mk1. That in turn can help an owner identify the bits on his car that are not original for changing if original specification is wanted. It can also help a prospective buyer, perhaps new to Lotus Cortinas, get up to speed with areas to examine to ensure that there are no issues that may call into question the legitimacy of the car.

It is comprised of 4 chapters, one for each variant of the Mk1 Lotus Cortina:

Type 1 – Pre-Aeroflow

Type II – Aeroflow ‘A’ Frame

Type III – Aeroflow Leaf Spring RHD

Type IV – Aeroflow Leaf Spring LHD

Each of those is subsequently broken down into logical groupings.

Note that this is a complete re-write of what was here before, and aims to be a comprehensive study. It does not go into every nut, bolt and rivet detail (at this stage), but for the first time, you can see what each type of car looks like, from the outside, inside, underneath, under the bonnet and inside the boot.

It will also identify those areas that are unique or different on a Lotus Cortina compared with a standard Cortina, which will allow you to determine if the car you are looking at may have issues that require more detailed investigation. These issues can many arise due to a car having been re-shelled and not done properly, or poorly restored, or just a fake being passed off as a genuine Lotus Cortina.

Remember, above all, Provenance is everything. If there are no historical documents, restoration photographs, or owner / club  testimonials with the car proving beyond doubt it’s authenticity, be very cautious. Also make sure that the car is known by other Lotus Cortina enthusiasts….they will be the main critics or promoters of the car!

This section is currently being built (Jan / Feb 2017 for first phase) and will continue to be enhanced after the first phase is complete.

When you read this section remember to refer to the TIMELINE AND FEATURES section for details of change points and outline descriptions, and also the MK1 ROAD CAR STUDIES for further photos and detail. If you’re buying a car, have a good look at the BUYING / RESTORING / RUNNING Section, complete with checklist for the variant you are looking at.

 

TYPE 1 – PRE-AEROFLOW

External Features

Front aspect, grill, lights, badge

Side aspect, opening quarter-light and rear side window

Rear aspect, stripe finishing

 

Bodyshell Features

KingPosts

Chassis Rail Saddle

‘A’ frame mountings

Differential hump

Spare wheel mounting

Parcel shelf

Bulkhead

 

Interior

 

Trim

Type 1 Trim (very early cars only)

The first batch of cars in 1963 had a slightly different trim, as can be seen in the first brochure, and the very early ex-Bruce Reynolds car, BMK723A

 

Type 2 Trim ( vast majority of Pre-Aeroflow cars)

 

From Mar ’63 to Oct ’64 (all Pre-Aeroflow), all cars had the A875 code trim

 

Note that all Lotus Cortinas had trim code A875 stamped on the chassis plate. For some unknown reason this was never updated.

Headlining

Confetti – from Mar ’63 to end of Pre-Aeroflow production.

 

Dashboard

 

Instruments

 

Control unit

 

Engine Bay

General views

Cam cover colour – standard and S/E

Carburettors and air filter, early fuel pipe to carburettor, throttle cable at bulkhead

Servo and piping

Master Cylinders

Washer bottle

Horns

Wiring and brake pipe routing

 

Boot

KingPosts

Kingpost welding pattern

Differential hump

Battery location and cabling

Boot lid strut

 

Underside, suspension, and cable / pipe routings.

‘A’ Frame suspension

Handbrake Routing

Brake Pipe Routing

Battery Cable Routing

 

TYPE II – AEROFLOW ‘A’ FRAME

 

External Features

 

Bodyshell Features

 

Interior

 

Trim

Type 3 B304 from Oct ’64 to Oct ’65 (Aeroflow with ‘A’ Frame suspension, plus early leaf spring cars)

Type 4 B409 from Oct ’65 to Sep ’66 (same at GT)

Headlining

Two types of headlining were fitted:

Confetti – from start of Aeroflow production to Apr ’65.

Lodestar – from Apr ’65 to end of Aeroflow production

 

Engine Bay

 

Boot

 

Underside, suspension, and cable / pipe routings.

 

TYPE III – AEROFLOW LEAF SPRING RHD

 

TYPE IV– AEROFLOW LEAF SPRING LHD