This 1966 Lotus Cortina MkI (chassis BA74FM59737) is said to be a recently completed build commissioned on a cost-is-no-object basis by a client whose situation has forced abandonment of race plans. Further claimed to have never been raced, the car does look quite fresh as photographed and is said to offer 160 HP from a high-compression 1600 Lotus twin cam. Find it here on eBay in Hollister, Missouri with reserve not met. Special thanks to BaT reader Jeff D. for this submission!

Like all other factory-built cars but one, the car wears white paint with green stripes that dip down in the rear to incorporate taillights—the exception was a solid blue car ordered by a customer said to have been superstitious of the color green. The cream yellow detailing and TEAM LOTUS script is a custom touch, and the factory-correct shade of green is actually somewhere in between this one’s grass hued stripes and deep BRG headlight covers. Minilite-style VTO wheels with scuffed up white letter Hoosiers and spring boot lid latches are spot-on perfect.

A stout looking six-point cage cuts through a partially stripped OEM dash that’s had its original metal face replaced with wood veener or vinyl wood effect material. The remote shifter mount is a nice touch, and in combination with a long steering wheel hub and rearward seat placement are designed to accommodate a six-foot plus driver.

This trunk shots shows good workmanship with clean plumbing and a neatly-integrated crash structure seemingly designed to protect the eight gallon fuel cell in case of a collision in the rear.

Underhood, a correct 1600 twin cam runs 11.5:1 compression and is fitted with Ross domed pistons and Pertronix electronic ignition. The gearbox retains stock close-ratio internals but is connected to the motor via a Dave Bean clutch and pressure plate, while a standard differential case hides a 3.90 geared Quaife limited slip turning Moser axles. Koni strut inserts with 550 pound springs, a one-inch front sway bar, and Gaz adjustable rear shocks round off the spec list.

If truly built as well as the seller claims and photos suggest, this one will only need a bit of shakedown prior to running a fun and likely competitive season of vintage tin-top racing. We’d love to have a go, but probably wouldn’t be able to reach the pedals.