There is a running gag among some members of the motoring fraternity that Lotus is an acronym that means “Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious.” However, that is an unkind assessment because a good Lotus of any description can offer one of the most engaging and utterly joyful classic car ownership experiences. This 1974 Europa demonstrates that. It is a one-owner survivor with a genuine 15,525 miles on the clock. It carries the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully and left as its creators intended. All good things must end, with the Europa’s original owner listing it here on Facebook in Moraine, Ohio. They set their price at $34,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Grant for spotting this fantastic British sports car.

I can place my hand on my heart and admit that the Europa is not my favorite Lotus. I respect it, but the styling doesn’t tick the boxes for me. Of course, that view is subjective, and your taste and opinion may differ from mine. I respect that because we all have a point of view on what constitutes a beautiful classic. This car’s owner ordered it in Lagoon Blue, a shade that first graced a Europa in October 1970. The paint retains a healthy shine, but one close-up shot reveals signs of mild crazing. The day will come when the car will require a cosmetic refresh, but it isn’t something that must occur immediately. The panels are in good order, with no signs of cracks or other issues. We receive no information on the frame, which might justify an in-person inspection. The area around the body mounts can be prone to rust. If that is the case, there is little alternative than to remove the body to rectify the problem. That is a labor-intensive exercise best tackled by a professional or an enthusiast with finely honed welding skills. However, the ownership history and lack of visible corrosion give cause for quiet confidence. The trim and wheels are in good order, and the glass is crystal clear.

Considering this is an unrestored British sports car with nearly five decades of active service, this Europa’s interior is in excellent order. There are no signs of worn or abused upholstery and no evidence of UV damage. The carpet has some marks, but the overall presentation is consistent with the mileage claim. The only issue worth noting is a split in the timber dash fascia. It appears to only be in the clearcoat, not the veneer. Therefore, restoring it might be possible and could save the new owner spending almost $600 on a replacement. The gauges are clear, there is no wheel wear, and the factory radio is intact. I find it reassuring that there are no aftermarket additions, suggesting this owner focused on keeping this classic unmolested.

Colin Chapman initially resisted the idea of slotting his Ford-based four-cylinder twin-cam powerplant under the hood of the Europa. However, he eventually relented and bolted it into place in 1971. This mid-mounted 1,558cc dynamo produces 115hp and 104 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. It is unlikely to leave muscle cars trembling in their boots, but with only 1,664 lbs to shift, the Lotus is surprisingly lively. The ¼-mile ET of 15.9 seconds is faster than most expected, while the svelte shape allows this gem to top 120mph. The seller claims this vehicle has a genuine 15,525 miles on the clock, and the car’s history means they might hold supporting evidence. It rolls on its original tires, but that might change if I found it in my workshop. I’m not sure I would trust them at highway speeds and would probably source another set of wheels and tires for active service. I’d carefully store the originals, only bolting them on for show and display purposes. Otherwise, this Europa runs and drives well and is a turnkey classic awaiting a new owner.

Lotus introduced the Europa in 1966, with the car remaining in production until 1975. A total of 9,230 were produced overall, with 4,950 of those the twin-cam version. They may not be the prettiest cars on the planet, but the Europa perfectly embodies the Chapman creed of “Simplify, then add lightness.” This one is a gem, and its unmolested state will appeal to British sports car purists. I would not call it affordable, but it is worth the money if everything from the frame state to the odometer reading checks out. If a spritely classic is on your Wish List, this one deserves a close look.