1966 FORD CORTINA LOTUS

This rally classic is available now in our Aiken, SC, climate-controlled showroom. The inventory shown is owned, maintained, and driven by us here at Car Cave USA. For more photos, information, and videos, please visit www.carcaveusa.com or call 803-262-4742. A full walk-around video can be seen on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/wG0XvtOV54Y.

Simple and easy finance options are available through our classic car preferred lenders, Woodside Credit (https://woodsidenew.defidirect.com/Application/apply?id=32200) and Collector Car Lending (https://get-started.collectorcarleaders.com/id/197). With knowledgeable teams that understand the value of your unique vehicle, an accessible online form that helps you find the best terms, and a quick response time, classic car lenders can help you drive off in your dream vehicle.

This 1966 Ford Cortina GT Mk1 has been transformed into a faithful Lotus Cortina–style replica, capturing the spirit of one of Ford’s most legendary cars of the 1960s. Finished in the classic Lotus livery of white with green side flashes, a black bonnet, and proper steel wheels with dish-style hubcaps, it exudes vintage motorsport character while benefiting from carefully selected upgrades that make it an outstanding driver for both road and rally use.

Car Cave purchased this Cortina on May 5, 2025, just north of Lisbon in Madalena and Beselga, Portugal. The previous owner had stripped and rebuilt the car with full intentions of competing in vintage racing, but health issues prevented him from taking it around the track. His work included a complete exterior respray and a full overhaul of the engine, transmission, clutch, and supporting systems. After a quick inspection in Lisbon, Chris and Emre from Car Cave put the Cortina straight to the test on the Spring 2026 GOAT Tour, a grueling 2,000-kilometer rally through Portugal and southern Spain. From mountain passes to ferry crossings, the Cortina proved its capabilities, keeping pace with Porsches and even a Lancia Delta Integrale Evo. Tour highlights included Portimão, the Magic Cactus beach bar, Alte, Barranco do Velho, Faro, Aznalcóllar, Seville, Cádiz, Grazalema, and Marbella. Despite being fresh off a rebuild, the Cortina completed the entire event with only a few expected field adjustments.

Power comes from a freshly rebuilt 1600 Ford Crossflow Kent engine fitted with a high-flow oil pump, water pump, and lightened flywheel. The Weber carb, a stainless long-tube manifold, and custom exhaust give it the proper sporting voice, while cooling is managed by a high-output radiator with electric fan. Electrical demands are handled by an uprated Escort MK3 alternator. Power is delivered through a new hydraulic clutch to a Ford Type 9 five-speed gearbox with a short-shift kit, which provides modern usability with period charm.

The suspension has been fully renewed with new arms, silent blocks, ball joints, rear leaf springs, and fresh shocks on all four corners. Braking has been modernized with servo assistance, larger ventilated front discs paired with Ford Sierra Cosworth 2WD calipers, and rebuilt uprated rear brakes. Once in the United States, Car Cave completed additional mechanical work including installation of a new fuel tank, sending unit, fuel lines, lock ring, hardware, a differential fluid change, and rewiring of the rally lights.

Inside, the Cortina has been prepared for both road and rally use. Features include new sports seats with racing seat belts, a hydraulic drift handbrake, rally-style steering wheel, updated instrumentation, power kill switches, upgraded pedals, a passenger footrest, and a relocated battery mounted in the boot for weight balance and safety.

Styled in the unmistakable Lotus Cortina livery, this Cortina left the factory as a 1.5L GT Mk1. Today it sits on Lotus Cortina–style 5.5J x 13-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and Nankang 185/70 R13 racing tires. A set of auxiliary rally lamps are mounted up front, ready for blasting through the backroads and mountain passes of rural Spain and Portugal.

This 1966 Ford Cortina GT Mk1 combines the iconic Lotus Cortina look with extensive upgrades and proven event history. Purchased just one day before the Spring 2026 GOAT Tour, it immediately set off and successfully completed the demanding event without major issues. From mountain switchbacks to coastal stretches, this Cortina delivers the lightweight, engaging drive that made the original a legend. Fully sorted and event-proven, it is ready for its next adventure—whether on tour, rally, or spirited backroad blasts.

Interested in a test drive or eager to learn more? Call us at (803) 262 4742, or stop by our climate controlled showroom in Aiken, South Carolina, to see this beauty in person.