Finding a Lotus Europa that hasn’t been picked over, modified beyond recognition, or partially disassembled is getting harder every year. This 1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Big Valve, listed here on eBay out of California, stands out specifically because of how intact and unmolested it remains after decades off the road. As a restoration candidate, it checks many of the boxes serious Europa enthusiasts look for first.
This car shows 59,583 believed-original miles and was last registered in 1985. Since then, it has clearly avoided the common fate of being scavenged for parts. According to the seller, nearly everything that should be present still is. The interior remains complete with its original knobs, switches, and gauges in place, a detail that often turns into a costly scavenger hunt on cars like these. Even small but important factory items like the original jack, tool kit, intake components, spare tire, and underbody bridging plate are still with the car—strong indicators that this Europa hasn’t been heavily disturbed.
Under the rear hatch sits the original Lotus Twin Cam Big Valve engine, still equipped with its Stromberg carburetors. The engine does not currently turn over by hand, so it should be approached as a full mechanical recommission or rebuild project. The Renault Type 352 four-speed manual transmission remains installed as well, preserving the car’s original drivetrain layout.
One of the biggest concerns with Europas is chassis condition, and this example appears to be a strong one. The backbone chassis reportedly shows only surface rust, with no signs of structural damage. Suspension mounting points appear straight and intact, which is critical for both safety and proper handling. That alone separates this car from many projects that look good at first glance but hide serious issues underneath.
The fiberglass body is described as straight and damage-free, with excellent panel gaps. Doors open and close properly without sag, another area where Europas often show age. The car was originally finished in Lagoon Blue (L12) – the seller says you can still find traces of that, if you look hard enough, and in the right places. The windshield and side glass are believed to be original and free of major defects.
Offered with a clean California title, this 1972 Lotus Europa presents a rare opportunity to start with a genuinely complete, rust-free foundation. Whether restored back to factory specification or carefully recommissioned, it’s the kind of honest project that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find.
I owned a 1969. I was going to say it looks like a good deal, till i went thru the photos. Yikes!!
Owned 2 S2s, both runners but in need cosmetic work. Easy to work on and parts easy to find. A little cleaning and paint on the wheels might entice someone to buy it.
Having Lotus experience from the 70’s… If the new buyer is not aware of what he is getting into, he had better be a good mechanic and/or have some money behind him… This vehicle maybe ‘all there’ but by today’s standards, it is a ‘ground up’ project to say the least…..In my personal opinion, this would be labor of love only…. forget about a fully restored Europa being valuable… They are going the other way. How many Europa enthusiasts are out there? I had a good time with my Elans back in the 70’s, however I am in my 70’s now. Most of us who enjoyed these cars in our younger days know what is ahead in a project like this! Don’t get me wrong….. I like Europas , too!! It’s a special buyer for these Loti!!
Have to agree with you. Sounds like we have similar Lotus experience. This will take LOTS of time and sweat equity. Backbone portion of the chassis could be rusty. An easy car to work on; but the parts cost alone could put you under water.
They are wonderful cars; but if your aim is to drive it, buy a runner.
I have posted before, here in Louisville KY area, growing up in 60/70s seen lots of these sitting behind garages/houses etc. I have never seen a runner in my 61 trips around the sun…
Agree with most comments above. It *may* have a good chassis, but every part of this car needs restoration. At the current price of $4,900 its all the money – I could easily see a full restorations cost well in excess of $20k. So, maybe buying one in driver condition or restored is a better bet.
best
bt
Yes, WELL in excess of $20k. WELL and EXCESS being the key words here.
If you know these cars and did the work yourself as a quality mechanic and restorer, maybe you could get around that $20K number by todays standards. but I think not!! Parts, new and used, when available are not cheap today. I know the markets fairly well for the cars I choose to work on and even today I am surprised by the costs. It is not like 30 years ago!!
Always thought a 220hp SHO motor in one of these would be a great project. Light, fast, and handles great. Now if there is a stopping solution available I’m interested.
This is a case where the engine is worth more than the car. I knew a guy that used to buy S2 Eurpoas’ for cheap, pull the twink for his FB’s and scrap the rest of the car.
I’ve personally never liked these things. To me it looks like they started designing the car form the front then lost interest when it came to the back and it looks like it should be a truck from the side view good luck to whoever gets this thing I hope they enjoy messing with it
Got to ride in one decades ago. Found it hard to get out of the car then, it would be close to impossible now. But they are fun cars. When they were first introduced Road and Track magazine said they were the best handling car of its day.
Had a72 jps for 2 years 73 to 75. Fun car had great times met my wife at mechanic shop(shop girl). Just got tired of $100 almost every week. Wish I had both back. Sold car. Wife died.