editorial@classiccarweekly.co.uk
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Historic Lotus Cortina saved
You featured a picture of a Lotus Cortina, registration 164 FOO, In your 1 November issue.
You may not be aware that 164 FOO is one of three press cars, the other two being 165 FOO and 166 FOO, all of which were thought lost or destroyed.
However Redcastle Classics in Caerphilly South Wales has restored 164 FOO, which spent more than 40 years sitting in an allotment garage, to showroom condition. It made its show debut this year at the Ford Nationals 2023 show at the British Motor Museum as part of the Lotus Cortina Register Club display to mark Lotus Cortina’s 60th anniversary.
I have attached some photos of the car being moved from the allotment garage and at the show featuring me and the lucky young 24-year-old who now owns the car – my son Charlie.
Letter Of The Week
It’s absolutely wonderful to hear that this significant Cortina has not only been saved from oblivion, but is being cherished by a younger enthusiast, to boot – Ed.
BEFORE
Do you own a Thornfalcon car?
I semi-retired a few years ago following many decades in the motor trade specialising in classic vehicles and left my very capable partner to carry on with the business.
Recently, while clearing out bundles of letters and various paperwork, I came across history relating to a few of the motor cars that I had been involved with. I have checked online and find the following cars still survive.
If you own a Lanchester 14 registered OFB 157, an Austin Somerset registered JRD 789 or a Ford Cortina 1600E registered NOW 123F, I’d be pleased pass on the paperwork that I have.
I’ve also kept many photos of the hundreds of cars that came through Thornfalcon Garage from the late 1970s to early 2000s, and can send any of these t
