1964 Ford Lotus Cortina Special Equipment

Dynamically, the transformation wrought by Lotus was amazing. On a twisty road, the dumpy little Cortina could shame cars costing four times as much

by Rob Sass

Of the 2,894 Mk 1 Lotus Cortinas produced, only 64 were built by the factory as Special Equipment models. This rare version was upgraded with semi-race camshafts, larger valves, bigger diameter exhaust system, 115 hp (up-rated from 105) as indicated by green cam covers, adjustable rear dampers, leather-covered version of the distinctive Lotus wood-rim steering wheel (from April 1964), Irvine “aircraft specification” seatbelts/harnesses, and unique “Special Equipment” script badge on rear body panels.

This car was the subject of a lengthy and meticulous restoration undertaken between 1993 and 1997 by the talented husband-and-wife team of Duncan and Teresa Tough, while the engine was rebuilt and uprated by marque specialists Nick Stagg Engineering of Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, as part of the restoration. Test results are fully documented, including the dynamometer-tested horsepower rating of the completed unit of 143.8 hp at 7,182 rpm.

The finished...