Typically, I’m disappointed with the quality of the Lotus Europas we find on the market — not this one! Thanks to frequent contributor Curvette for sending us this fine example of the first Lotus mid-engined street car. It’s listed for sale here on Craigslist and can be picked up in West Linn, Oregon. The asking price is $22,500, but after looking over the ad, I can see why the price is where it is.
The Europa story started in 1966 when the Series 1 was introduced. Weighing only 1,350 pounds, the fact that it was powered by only a 78-horsepower modified Renault engine didn’t matter that much. There wasn’t much on the road that could out-handle a Europa, and certainly not at the price. However, customers wanted more. More space, more power, and more quality; Lotus wasn’t exactly known for its build quality! The styling, too, was improved over time, with the functional but ugly side buttresses cut down as on this car. The Series 3 car finally got the famed Lotus Twin-Cam engine, and then in 1972, the “Big Valve” version was introduced, now sporting 126 horsepower and a top speed in excess of 125 miles per hour. This car is an even more special version, as it is a John Player Special Model commemorating Lotus’s Grand Prix cars, and is only one of 3,130 produced. Only around 9,200 Europas of any type were produced when production ended in 1975.
One thing that instantly jumped out at me when I saw this car was the red–the mirrors and front spoiler were originally black. The seller states this modification was done to honor the last Lotus Formula 1 car, the E20. Honestly, if it were my car, that’s the first thing I’d change. The glossy black paintwork and the delicate gold pinstripes are enough for me. But that shouldn’t be hard for the new owner to change if they are so inclined.
This is, without a doubt, one of the nicest-looking Europa interiors I’ve ever seen. Most are incredibly torn up by now. The seller speaks of “keeping it in great running order and fixing the imperfections” over the past 52 years, so I’m guessing this is a replacement interior. The car recently took third in class at the All British Field Meet in Portland, Oregon, so I’m not the only person who loves the way this car looks.
I admit to being surprised at the K-Mart-level steering wheel cover. I installed many of those on my and my friend’s cars when I was in high school in the 80s. Please, whoever buys this car, put a decent lace-on leather cover, or, better yet, install a new repro of the original wheel or a suitable aftermarket one. I’ll make it easier, this is a 15-inch, 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel manufactured by Springall (Part No. A074H6007Z). Now all you have to do is find one!
The engine bay looks remarkably clean for a Lotus. I admit I’d rather see side-draft Webers than the twin Stromberg CD175s, but a car this original should probably be kept that way. Maybe a second set of carbs for fun? I’d like to know what you think about this Europa; I thought enough of it to choose it for my return to writing after hand and wrist surgery! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below–I’d especially like to hear from any of you who have owned and/or driven a Europa.
I had the pleasure of taking one (not a JPS) for a test drive when it appeared on the local Ford dealer’s used car lot in the early seventies. So, off went myself and a soon to be terrified salesman. When we got back, I immediately went to my family’s local bank in search of a loan only to be disappointed on the grounds that he could not find a listing for any car manufactured by some outfit called “Lotus Motorcars”. Of course, this was a bank much more comfortable loaning money on livestock and farm trucks than exotic british sports car, but still… With the benefit of 50 years hindsight, it was for the best. Neither I, or anyone else in our little cowtown would have had the slightest idea of how to maintain a Lotus Europa.
I owned a early 1969, yes that red has to go. I looked at the car and read the info., so why is this so cheap?