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KPU 386C – full, correct ‘works’ specification Lotus Cortina built by the Ford Competition Department. Tested by Jim Clark in preparation for the 1966 RAC Rally. Offered for sale in excellent, highly original condition.

Warwickshire-based Nick Whale Sports Cars Direct, is offering ‘KPU 386C’, one of the hugely desirable, original series of ‘works’ Lotus Cortinas manufactured by the Ford Competition Department at its Boreham facility.

The works series cars feature registration numbers KPU 380C through to KPU 397C, and this car, KPU 386C, was supplied direct to the famous Alan Mann Racing team in 1965 to help with the development of their race programme. The car features the full and correct ‘works’ specification, including an aluminium bonnet, boot and door panels, original short-ratio gearbox with alloy tail shaft and remote shift aluminium bell housing and differential, long range twin fuel tanks and 5.5inch steel wheels. Today the car features a fully rebuilt engine with evocative ‘BRM’ cam covers.

The comprehensive history file of KPU 386C features photographs taken from Autosport magazine (dated 18th November 1966) which shows none other than Lotus world champion, Jim Clark, testing the car at Bagshot in preparation for the forthcoming 1966 RAC Rally. There is also a black and white picture of Jim Clark and a very young future rally champion, Roger Clark, standing next to the car in period.