Engine: four cylinders, twin overhead camshafts, twin dual-
throat sidedraft Weber DCOE40 carburettors, 1588cc, 115
bhp (SE model). Gearbox: close-ratio 4-speed manual.
Suspension: independent front by wishbone and
Macpherson strut, rear A-bracket, coil springs with trailing
arm links. Brakes: hydraulic front discs, drum rear. Body:
aluminium door skins, bonnet and boot lids. All other
correct Lotus modifications. Right-hand drive.

The idea of a sporting saloon was conceived in the early
1960s following an approach by Ford to Colin Chapman of
Lotus, to design and build a sports-racing version of their
popular Cortina. Lotus had already committed to the
development of the latest Ford engine block for their new
Elan sports cars, whilst for Ford it produced a remarkable
vehicle whose performance on both road and track were to
become legendary. The engine was created by adapting a
Cosworth designed alloy twin-cam head to the standard
Ford 1498cc block bored out to 1558cc. Other features
departing from stock Cortina were a purpose-designed
independent rear suspension, originally with A-brackets
replacing the standard leaf spring arrangement. Overall, the
car was lowered for much-improved handling, and the Lotus
version featured alloy castings for the bell housing, tailshaft
housing, diff casing and front steering arms. The non-
structural body panels were also fabricated from aluminium.