Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Picture this: the year is 1963 – Walter Hayes of the Ford Motor Company has proposed a fitting of the 1.6L Lotus 23 engine into 1,000 Ford Cortina saloons for Group 2 homologation; despite the recent ramp up of production for the Elan, Lotus’s figurehead Colin Chapman obliges, and the first Type- 28s are born.
Ford began supplying the 2-door Cortina body shells, promising to take care of all the marketing and selling of the 28, whilst Lotus dug into the mechanical and cosmetic changes that the type 28 would undergo. Primary mechanical upgrades included the 1,558 cc, 105 bhp engine together with the same close-ratio gearbox as the Elan. The rear suspension was drastically altered and lightweight alloy panels were supplemented for door material, bonnet and the boot, and lightweight casings were fitted to gearbox and differential. Keeping in line with heritage, Lotus factory cars were painted white with a green stripe – Ford built some for racing in red, and one customer even added a dark blue stripe due to superstitions about the famous British racing green.
Fast forward to present day: nearly 50 years have passed since the Cortina first showed up on the asphalt, and Lotus has held on strong to the founding principles that have made their automobiles a favorite among driving enthusiasts everywhere these days. Original MK1 Cortinas have started to disappear, growing in rarity & popularity among collectors and cult gearheads world wide; many have been restored, refinished, or completely lost to time & tracking – one lucky 28 however, managed to find a home with our good friends over at Motoring Unlimited.
First things first, we pulled the Cortina into the wash bay!
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
It’s not every day that one comes across a 50 year old car that has been so meticulously maintained. Keeping a half century old machine pristine can be tricky for even the most experienced of auto aficionados, and engine bays are no easy exception – however, popping the hood on this type 28 revealed a quite impressive & exceptional level of care.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
De-greaser at his side and brush in hand, Solomon set to work on the deepest nooks and crannies he could find in the engine bay. The block, mounts, and assorted engine components glistened like new – the bay itself had very little build up or grime, and even the plumbing was impeccably clear!
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
With the distinct Y-split tail lamps and classic Lotus badges glistening, the guys began the clay bar & decontamination process.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Shortly there after, it was time to pull the Cortina deeper indoors so that it could be taped up and prepped for further detailing!
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Making sure to cover every trim piece and hard edge of the Cortina’s soft exterior, Solomon finished up the taping and began with an up close and personal LED inspection.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
It’s always difficult to spot marring and scratches on a light colored surface, but with a bit of pinning light cast on the classic green striping it becomes much easier to spot problematic points of correction.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
With buffer swirls abound, the rear quarter panels of the Cortina seemed to be showing the most damage. The small body seams had a few minor chips and surface speckling, but nothing that would prevent the reconditioning process from taking place.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Working from the ground up, Myron and Jeff began the multi- stage buff & polish.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Making sure to buff right up to the tape lines & edges, the guys diligently worked over the Lotus’s creamy exterior.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
With the 28’s body reaching a point of completion, it was time to shine up the classic upholstery, pedals & get the instrument clusters looking like new again with a thorough interior vac & wipe down before pulling it into the light tunnel for a final inspection.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Gripping their toothbrushes & LED flashlights tight, Myron and Jeff dug into the interior at full speed.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Now, into the light tunnel!
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Sometimes, even the cleanest of vehicles need just a little bit more TLC. After noticing a few minor spots that needed a quick fix in the light tunnel, Blake moved the Cortina into the cyclorama to further illuminate the situation.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
The new photo booth is great for shooting vehicles post- detailing – it’s also an effective way to really shed some light all the features of the car and see everything in full. Polishing the wheel caps to a mirror-like finish, Blake carefully combed over the Cortina’s exterior and interior, ensuring the newly detailed vehicle reached it’s full potential.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Now, the reconditioned leather and freshly cleaned dash components look as good as they did the first day the Cortina rolled off the production line at the Cheshunt plant!
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
The sparkling chrome accents & classic green scallops now shine with depth, accentuating the classic shape of the Cortina beautifully.
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
Redmond Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Lotus Cortina Motoring Unlimited
We really enjoyed working with such a fine specimen of the classic road racer variety, and were delighted to lay our hands on another one of Motoring Unlimited’s prized possessions.
Remember, if you are an Audi or Porsche owner seeking scheduled maintenance, major mechanical work, rebuilds, complete restoration or upgrades for track preparation, Motoring Unlimited’s team has the skills to keep your vehicle performing at it’s peak!
Motoring Unlimited is located at:
6010 221st Place SE Issaquah, WA 98027
For more information about services & availability at MU, contact INFO@EXPERIENCEMU.COM or call 425.391.5942.