Graham gets behind the wheel of a sixties icon as he tells the story of the Ford Lotus Cortina and explains why it's one of our favourite fast saloon cars of all time.
Ford Model T - Fifth Gear Legends
Over the coming months, we're going to drive some of our favourite cars of all time and we're starting with an absolute cracker. In this video, Graham gets to grips with the backwards controls of a 101 year old Ford Model T and tells the tale of the car that revolutionised motoring.
Morgan 3 Wheeler - Fifth Gear Web TV
It's based on Morgan's first ever car from 1910 but is equipped with a modern 2 litre bike engine sending power to one rear wheel and propelling it to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds! So is the new 3 Wheeler a recipe for fun? And does it justify the car's £30,000 price tag? We went to Morgan HQ to find out.
Audi Quattro - Fifth Gear Legends
Graham gets behind the wheel of an original Quattro to find out exactly why it's such a fast car icon and why it deserves to be called a Fifth Gear Legend.
Fifth Gear: Web TV Edition 12 - 1000bhp UBB Mustang & Wales Rally GB
In this edition of the show, Vicki Butler-Henderson gets her hands on a Ford Mustang with 1000bhp; and Graham from the Office spends a day at Wales Rally GB with WRC driver Matt Wilson and his team. For more videos, news and reviews go to http://fwd.five.tv/fifth-gear
Fifth Gear - The McRae Gathering 2008
Fifth Gear's Review of the Colin McRae Gathering in 2008 - Vicki Butler Henderson
http://www.McRae-Gathering.co.uk/
http://www.ScoUK.net/colinmcrae/
BSCC Crystal Palace 1964
a short video of a race of the British Saloon Car Championship in Crystal Palace 1964.
Commentary by Mr. Chumley Warner
Auction of 1963 Lotus Cortina 8515 UN
This Lotus Cortina was offered on Thursday 22 March 2012, by Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions (http://www.dvca.co.uk/) at The Gartell Light Railway, Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0NB.
Part of the sales brochure reads : "...this rare, early 'Extra Special Equipment' example was originally raced by Ford Main Dealers Messrs Francis Garage Ltd of Colwyn Bay, who were the first registered owners of the motor car. The Lotus Cortina was then purchased by the current custodian's uncle, who became the car's second owner. His wife found the competition clutch too heavy, so sold the Lotus Cortina to his brother, who in turn allowed his son (the current custodian) to learn to drive and ultimately pass his test in it. 8515 UN was dry stored from 1971 until it was inherited by the current owner, who moved the motor car into his own workshops.
In 2001, the decision was made to carry out a brief, light renovation of the Lotus Cortina. However, as is usually the case with these situations, the light renovation turned into a major restoration which took four years; even the nuts and bolts were carefully cleaned with a toothbrush for originality...!
We are told that the body was completely refurbished and the engine rebuilt; the gearbox and drive train were stripped and checked, and the steering was overhauled. The interior front seats were reupholstered (the rear seat remains in excellent condition), and a new headlining and carpets were fitted. The instruments and switches were all original and working, so did not require attention at the time, but at present the rev counter does not return to zero and the temperature gauge will require a new capillary tube. We are assured that the radiator has been replaced and a new battery fitted. At present, the motor car is fitted with Minilite road wheels, but the original steel wheels will be supplied with the motor car, together with some spare parts. Regrettably, the front quarter bumpers and brackets are missing.
8515 UN has been enjoyed since the restoration was completed in 2005. Regrettably, it has now become available due to health reasons.
Documentation in the file includes the original RF60 registration book, the V5C registration certificate, invoices, photographs, correspondence, various workshop manuals, a Lotus Cars Ltd spare parts list and a quantity of MOT test certificates (including the current, which expires 28.2.2013), together with a Shell lubrication wallet, containing the running costs of the Lotus Cortina from 10.2.1967 until 10.9.1967.
A rare opportunity to purchase an exceptional motor car, which has been in the current family ownership for forty-six years."
Hammer price was £42,500 plus buyer's premium (plus VAT).
