In the mid-1960s, Britain’s Lotus Cars conceived an affordable mid-engine sports car (or GT, if you prefer) that could draw from existing technology, with engines borrowed from Renault as an example. They were in production for 10 years (1966 to 1975), but fewer than 10,000 copies were ever built. This 1970 edition looks good but isn’t currently running, so you’ll have some mechanical tinkering to do to change that status. Located in a garage in South Hills, Pennsylvania, this interesting little car is available here on craigslist for $4,800 OBO (but without a title). Thanks for the cool tip, Rocco B.!
Inspiration for the Europa came from the Grand Prix racing circuit where mid-engine designs were proving to be competitive choices. To help keep weight down, Lotus went with fiberglass bodies on the cars along with independent suspension. In addition to the 1.5-liter Renault OHV aluminum-block motor, Lotus also used a matching Renault 16 transaxle. Earlier editions, like the seller’s car, used a single camshaft (later shifting to twin cams).
As the years went by, Europa’s sold in the U.S. found it increasingly difficult to meet changing safety standards. That may have contributed to the company’s decision to cease its production in the mid-1970s. The seller’s Europa, possibly a Series 2, looks in good physical condition but does not run. However, the engine turns freely, so perhaps there is nothing terminal wrong with the powerplant. This car does not come with a title, though the seller will consider trading for another British vehicle.
A PA car with no title?? Did he ever have one?? He couldn’t have registered in PA w/o a title.
Seems like a red flag to me.
Did you ever try to get into one of these? Maybe a 10 year old. However, they’re fun to drive
You don’t get in, you put it on!
Was this ever licensed in PA? If not, where was it last licensed for the road?
Years ago i had a 1969, this looks like a great deal, could have posted a few more photos, and a little more info.
Without any proper paperwork it could be a candidate for a vintage race car. Tried that with my second S2 but got derailed by another car I wanted worse. Wish I could have followed through with the the build but there’s only so much you can take on at the same time. Crew Chief wasn’t that enthusiastic about having 3 race cars plus the two street machines. Something about enthusiasm overwhelming my………
Connecticut doesn’t need or even want to see a title for any car 20 years old or older. Bill of sale is all you really need. What a cool looking car! I don’t know a thing about Lotus, but this seems like a great price for this car, IMO.
Cheap. Its an S2. On this side of my border I would be a buyer. Regret selling my S2 years ago. Some folks knock the Renault engine, but in this car it worked well and was pretty stout/reliable.
best,
bt
Looks very original outside of black bumpers. In fact, 102,000 miles actually sounds/looks kind of high for a Europa. If the frame isn’t rusted, this might be good value. That said, I can still foresee thousands of dollars of potential investment and many, many hours of labor to make a nice driver.
I’m 70 and 1/2 years old. I’m still waiting to hear from anyone who has ever owned a “cheap” project car.
Probably the best comment ever.
The mileage is very high for an S2. A fair price IF the frame is in good shape. If it spent a lot of time in the Pittsburgh area, I suggest a very close look at the suspension and body. Pittsburgh is tough on suspensions, brakes and fiberglass. New frames are available from UK, but not cheap. Was it ever yellow? See Craigslist pics.
A close second to the Pontiac Aztec for being the most hideously ugly car ever.
You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. Many would disagree, including me. I think the Europa’s styling is lovely and innovative, and it produced an very low drag cd in its time.
bt
OMG, $4800? That’s a steal. It would cost more than that just to fix the spider cracks and repaint any other project Europa. Title? Who cares, they’re not needed in New York. If anyone is a Europa enthusiast, buy it now! I have the identical car in my driveway (needing alot of work) and can say that alot of hard to find parts are on this car in the ad. It would be a very fun project to get running and have fun with. If I didn’t get my Europa last year for free, I’d buy this white one today.
Best of luck to the Seller but I have been trying to sell my 71 for almost a year for less than this asking price WITH a CLEAR PA title and I am having no luck. Although mine is disassembled the engine is redone ready to reassemble with new pistons, liners, etc.
Please send it in so we can auction it for you: https://barnfinds.com/auctions/about/
Jesse, I will get some pictures put together and submit it. Thank you
Remember … beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The keys for this, I won’t be holdin …
What kind of engine swap could one do in this? Miata ? Honda? Toyota?
None needed. The existing engine works great and is easily modified.
bt
A lot of guys put 4 cylinder Ford ZTEC engines in out of an early 2000’s Focus or change out the stock head with a crossflow head from a Renault Fuego, etc. Simple bolt on for the Fuego head but finding one can be a chore. The limiting factor with regard to power is the transaxle in these is not very robust when it comes to handling higher horsepower numbers over what the factory 1.6 puts out.
It could be titled as “An Assembled Car” or as a Kit Car, which they are anyway at some level. I love it. But 6’2″ 215 in BARE FEET, these are difficult to get in and out of on some days like if I worked outside the previous day on my property type day. But they are fun as anything. Like your own Malibu Grand Prix. Fair price. Just get Bill of Sale and the guy’s ID, record of payment documented. That will help get the title in your state. It’s extra fees. Find out ahead and negotiate using those fees as your bargaining tool.
Getting a title is not that easy in not States.
Brett….have not heard from you
Thanks
Sonny Not sure how to contact you and Barn finds jumped in and deleted my comments.
Seller: How lo g has it been sitting with the engine out? Pictures of the disassembled engine please. Lotus manuals and all spares come with the car?
Chris A. I will be listing it on here in an auction within the next week. It has been apart for at least 10 years but the engine components are in a heated basement workshop and the head and rotating assembly have been gone over at the machine shop. Brand New Liners , pistons, etc in the box. Hermes intake and Weber 45DCOE Carb. More in it than I care to think.
BY the time anyone is done with this, you will be in too deep. The car was originally yellow so a complete color change is needed; many interior and exterior repairs needed as well as a dated engine that will require everything ……if completed properly. All brake lines, suspension bushings, etc. as well as drive train components will need to be redone to some extent, if the milage is correct. Great toy for hobbyist but be aware of the hidden costs as well as aged components.
Sonny clearly outlines the requirements. Just to make this a safe driver will require patience and skills beyond casual hobbyist capabilities. Europas require system maintenance and repair skills way closer to race car maintenance than those of most popular 60-70’s mass produced sports cars. Maybe $2-2.5K?
No longer on Craiglist. Withdrawn by seller