1965 Ford Lotus Cortina LHD

Our latest international project lands at the doorstep of DM Historics. A classic car enthusiast and budding historic racer has reached out looking to race prepare his Ford Lotus Cortina, fresh out of bodywork.

Based out of Spain, the owner of this Lotus Cortina has set out to achieve a long-term goal of successfully campaigning a 60’s competitive icon. To make this dream a reality, the client has entrusted the race restoration specialists at DM Historics, to complete the Cortina to full FIA specification, prepared in left-hand drive suitable for Spanish driving.

Getting the project underway

Arriving at our Kent based workshop as a painted shell, recently finished in the iconic Ermine White and Sherwood Green, the team get busy preparing the Cortina for its transformation.

The first area addressed is ensuring the car meets racing fuel cell requirements, stating there must be a “bulkhead between any fuel tank and filler and the driver/passenger, preventing the passage of flame or liquid”. As the interior is to be finished in true ‘lightweight’ single-seater fashion, the rear passenger seats will not be re-installed, therefore a bespoke firewall is fabricated and installed.

With the three compartments, engine bay, cabin and boot, now fire safe the team continue the process by installing a full FIA compliant electronic extinguisher system, covering all compartments, activated via an easy access dash fascia mounted switch.

Alongside addressing fire safety in the Lotus Cortina, other areas of the shell are built up, including main and reserve dual fuel pumps and front headlights.