Europas pop up on Barn Finds a fair amount, and usually in project car form. Credit the fact that these vehicles do not have tremendously high values on the open market and restoring anything of this vintage with British heritage can test the patience and bank accounts of even the most committed of enthusiasts. Which is why it may make sense to buy one that’s pretty much ready to roll – especially with only 7,200 original miles. That’s the case with this 1971 Europa here on eBay, listed with a starting bid of $15,500. Certainly not the cheapest way to get into a Europa but potentially less frustrating and time-consuming – just turn the key and drive. Interestingly, the original owner ran the car with a turbocharger (since removed) – what a blast that must have been in a car that weighs well under 2,000 pounds! Would you plop down the cash for this original example or stick with a roughshod project?
As I so often read – always buy the best you can afford – so it’s up to you, your bank account and maybe your bank loans person – besides personally I can only do routine stuff myself so a major project would have to be farmed out to professionals and this rarely makes sense
Nice original color and wheels. Looks like it needs the front control arms inverted to bring the ride height down to spec – the factory flipped them to make the car pass Federal ride height regs at that time.
Didn’t Lotus begin to use the Ford engine in 1971? Maybe this is a 1970.
I would not pay this much even if it had a lotus twin cam motor in it, but a crappy renault motor, he must be dreaming.
The first time I saw a Lotus Europa was at the 1969 Gran Prix in Watkins Glen, NY. I would covet this beautiful model if I could only comfortably enter and exit it.
Let’s not forget that many of these cars arrived in kit form and were self assembled when they arrived to the U.S.
Am not aware of Europa S2s sold in kit form in the US. Where does one find US kit sales documentation?
JS – you are correct – these cars NEVER came in kit form back then. There is currently a company making new ones though – http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/index.php
That being said – while this car has hardly any miles, I still wouldn’t get it. The fact that at one time there was a turbo on it and he’s asking too much money for it. For that kind of $ I would hold out for a twincam version..
It would appear that no bids, no offers was the loud statement from the viewing public.
I do believe the seller may have to sharpen his pencil.
cheers….JeffH48