Solved - NEH 4225: Crayford Lotus Cortina Coupé

Carnut · August 18, 2015, 07:47:30 AM

What's this car called, who built it and what powered it - for 1 point?:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

Carnut · September 01, 2015, 05:11:51 AM

Experts?

mymokke · September 01, 2015, 10:08:09 PM

Ford Cortina based?

Carnut · September 02, 2015, 04:16:31 AM

Quote from: mymokke on September 01, 2015, 10:08:09 PM
Ford Cortina based?

That was the (very) easy bit!

mymokke · September 02, 2015, 09:39:08 PM

1969?

Carnut · September 03, 2015, 04:23:09 AM

Quote from: mymokke on September 02, 2015, 09:39:08 PM
1969?

The Mk2 Cortina was in production from 1966 to 1970, so that would fit; but it wasn't one of the questions!

richard cuyler · September 03, 2015, 09:26:13 AM

Don't those lovely 1960s wide-rims look so neat and tasteful compared to todays over-the-top alloys with their rubber-band tyres?

Carnut · September 03, 2015, 11:37:48 AM

Quote from: richard cuyler on September 03, 2015, 09:26:13 AM
Don't those lovely 1960s wide-rims look so neat and tasteful compared to todays over-the-top alloys with their rubber-band tyres?

Yes, I had ones like that on my Mini-Cooper complete with Minivan hub-caps and I really thought I was king of the road! (That was quite some time ago of course....!)

mymokke · September 03, 2015, 09:13:46 PM

Other than the obvious body alterations, was there some alternative mode of power (ie: electric)?
I whole heartily agree that thick rubber looks better than the current low profile tires.

Carnut · September 04, 2015, 05:27:29 AM

Quote from: mymokke on September 03, 2015, 09:13:46 PM
Other than the obvious body alterations, was there some alternative mode of power (ie: electric)?
I whole heartily agree that thick rubber looks better than the current low profile tires.

The car was powered by a normal internal combustion engine; which one though?
Welcome to the Old Farts Club mymokke!

mymokke · September 06, 2015, 08:56:12 PM

Ok, internal combustion engine ......... V8?
Here's a picture of my "Old Fart" mobile .......... not a Mopar but it was FREE.

Carnut · September 07, 2015, 04:43:14 AM

Not a V8..
What year is your car? 1980s?

mymokke · September 07, 2015, 09:30:02 PM

Ok, V6?

My car is a 1989 Crown Victoria LX.

Carnut · September 08, 2015, 04:11:00 AM

Quote from: mymokke on September 07, 2015, 09:30:02 PM
Ok, V6?

My car is a 1989 Crown Victoria LX.

Yes, it's a V6.

mymokke · September 26, 2015, 06:19:03 PM

Evidently not all Cortinas converted by this shop used the unusual roof and deck treatment of the puzzle picture.
On a Cortina blog there are pictures of both the puzzle car and another with standard roof, both by Crayford Auto Development Limited.
Details are: 3 litre Essex V6 engine and gearbox from a MkIV Zodiac.
I'll guess the puzzle picture is of an early development vehicle prior to 1968.
Attached is the 68 I found online.

72Must · September 26, 2015, 08:41:35 PM

Wondered if it might be Lotus twin cam powered Crayford coupe , as careful examination of rear wing badge on original pic shows ? Apparently 4 or so were built .Similarly ,some convertibles Crayford built were 1500 pre crossflow GT powered ,suspect V6 was extra upgrade from them if one had even more money to spend

Carnut · September 28, 2015, 04:57:09 AM

Apologies mymokke as I have misled you.
The engine is not a V6 as I said and in fact 72must is right with this guess: it's one of the Lotus Twin-Cam powered cars.
Crayford were well-known for their 3-litre V6 conversions of Cortinas but this is one of very few Cortina Lotuses converted into a coupé by them.
So it's a point to 72must and an apology to mymokke!

Original picture (on which you can see the Lotus badge on the rear flank):

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Solved - NEH 4225: Crayford Lotus Cortina Coupé