The seller has been the custodian of this 1969 Lotus Europa S2 since 1974, but it has been parked in a dry and warm garage since 2007. It requires a total restoration, but the engine upgrades mean it should offer performance that would leave other Europas from this era in its wake. It is a rock-solid classic with minor body damage. The seller feels it needs a new home, listing the Lotus here on Facebook Marketplace in Raleigh, North Carolina. They set their price at $12,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this classic British project candidate.
Lotus introduced the Europa in 1966, with the car perfectly embodying the Colin Chapman philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness.” Its overall weight of 1,459 lbs meant it could effectively utilize a modest engine to provide excellent performance. The seller purchased this Europa in 1974, using it regularly until placing it in storage in 2007. Its condition is consistent with a classic requiring restoration. Its British Racing Green paint shines, but there are enough marks and imperfections to warrant a repaint. There are fiberglass issues requiring repair, with the car suffering minor front damage in a parking lot. I don’t think it warrants specialist attention, and experimenting in a home workshop might be worthwhile. The front bumper appears to have escaped damage, and the remaining trim looks good. The seller doesn’t mention any rust issues with the frame, and the single underside shot in the listing reveals it wears an intact layer of Black paint. The glass is free from flaws, and the Lotus rolls on a tidy set of 13″ Minilite wheels.
One area where the new owner must splash some cash is on this Europa’s interior. The seats have been removed but are included. It requires a retrim, the timber veneer dash fascia has deteriorated beyond repair, and the seller admits some parts are missing. It isn’t the end of the world because new genuine and reproduction parts are readily available, and returning the interior to its best shouldn’t be too challenging.
The secret to what sets this Europa apart from its peers can be found under the hood. Lotus discovered that Renault’s four-cylinder powerplant and transaxle from its “16” model could be modified to provide a cost-effective mid-engine drivetrain. This 1,470cc unit sent 82hp and 80 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. Such modest figures don’t promise exhilarating performance, but a Europa could cover the ¼-mile in 17.4 seconds on its way to 109mph. However, this car will blow that figure into the air once it returns to active service. It features a 1,606cc four from the later Renault 17 filled with components from Gordini. Renault’s figures indicate it would have churned out 107hp and 100 ft/lbs, although the pair of Weber DCOE carburetors hanging off the side may have unleashed a few additional ponies. Therefore, a sub-16-second ET should be within reach, while the top speed might crack the 120mph mark. The Europa doesn’t run, but its engine turns freely. It appears it only requires a new fuel pump to roar to life. However, years of inactivity means the new owner must replace the tires, perform a thorough inspection, and treat the engine to a tune-up as part of the process of returning it to a roadworthy state. The seller includes a spare R16 engine, transmission, and a collection of User Guides and Manuals so the new owner can be hands-on with this classic.
The Chapman mantra of simplicity and lightness allowed Lotus to produce cars delivering excellent performance from relatively modest drivetrains. That trend continues over forty years after the innovative man’s passing. The Europa wasn’t the most attractive car to emerge from its Hethel, Norfolk, England factory. Still, with 9,230 vehicles built during its production run, it found favor with enthusiasts seeking performance on a budget. This one requires total restoration, but most of the puzzle pieces are there for someone to return it to its rightful place on our roads. Could that person be you?
Nice project for someone.The wheels are Minilite Sport wheels that came out around 1974.I have a set like them.
I am the guy that can restore this car. isnit still for sale?
Looks like to me it is still for sale.
I had a 69 Europa many years ago, the more i see and read the worse it gets, is that mold on the inside? Yes the engine is a plus. Most of the outside photos are from far away. Listed 6 weeks ago.
Oddly, the further away you get, the better the car looks …
This is a really good foundation for a fabulous and very rare Lotus. The asking price is reasonable for someone who understands how lucky they are to find this particular car in this condition.
This is a perfect for a ground up restomodification. The suspension and chassis will have to be attended to first. That means removing everything to check the condition of the fiberglass, mounting points etc. replacing all the perishables like bushings, pads, engine and trans mounts. Brakes need to be refreshed. None of this is beyond people doing their own work.
The only caveat is they fit in the driver’s seat. Tall and/or round drivers will not enjoy driving the S-2 any distance, nor will they be able to reach the car’s potential for embarrassing…..drivers of much more modern vehicles. The Passenger has a little more space for legs and feet. So anything needed for a trip is under the ‘Navigator’s’ legs. I’m 6’2″ and my friend John is about 5’9″. He had a John Player Special “Notch back” with the Lotus 1600 twin cam ‘Notch back’ rather than the Lotus-Renault-Gordini-1600 Bread Van. I’d estimate the Gordini and John’s heavily modified Lotus were very close to par, with the nod going to Gordini. Still, John’s was sweet and wicked fast. But I did not enjoy driving it because I simply did not fit.
I had a chance in the early 80’s at both a Europa and an early 7 for cheap, $1000.00 for either. The Europa dash was in the seats, the 7 was running but had a mechanics lien on it. I’m 6’3″ so that killed the Europa idea and I didn’t want to chase wiring that someone else had started and couldn’t do. The 7 was tempting but as a College student at the time with just a car port I passed. To this day I kick myself over that one, but Kansas has some pretty nasty winters, so I keep telling myself I was smart.
I’m 6’2″ 210. When I was 190 I drove one and it fit like a glove. If you’re a wide load, of any height, you won’t enjoy this. Otherwise the Lotus is basically a legal cart on the road. Very fast and feels faster being so low, just like a cart. A big upside is when you drive it with a light foot, you can get 35mpg. Not many classics can claim that AND zip around like a roller skate with a weed whacker engine attached. Club support and documentation to finish is available in multiple ways and mediums so if you’re going to be a new tinkerer, this also doesn’t take much space. But you seriously don’t want to be an XL+ dude. It’s a tad claustrophobic if you’re used to SUVs and big sedans. On the other hand it’s like a motorcycle except you don’t have to get dirty or pick bugs out of your hair (if still have).
Interesting tidbit regarding these cars is that the rear suspension is mounted to the transaxle rather than the frame…just like the contemporary Lotus F1 cars.
They handle about like a formula car as well. I have owned mine for over 40 years and I have the advantage that I fit. The chassis is very easy to restore as the parts are a mix of Lotus bits and Triumph Spitfire bits and if you are a member of the various clubs and Facebook chat rooms you can find all the information you will need to restore one. Not having to mess with rusty body parts is a huge advantage and being able with between 4 and 6 friends depending upon their strength to lift the body off the chassis is wonderful.
The Gordini Engine is a bigger plus than the article states because the engine accessories are where they are most accessible where the bits on the TWINK engines are where they are the least accessible. Be warned that the gas tanks can rust and if possible they should be replaced. Mine has a non-published option of gas tanks and fillers on both sides. Given that the gas tank size is around 7 gallons that is a big help on trips.
Speaking of this is a car for twisty roads but if you are on the interstate you can see under trucks because you are so low and you can see the lights of what ever is in front of a tractor trailer truck. If you are paying attention you can close up and draft the truck and get amazing milage for a car so old. I have seen up to 55 miles per gallon doing such things on the up hill grade from Kansas City To Denver on Interstate 70.
Last note performance is not just horsepower, Take your muscle car friends on a quick trip thru some twisty bits and watch them turn white. The Europa has a blend of traction and torque where you need it that few cars have. In addition if you fit it is very comfortable to drive. I must admit watching 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s Corvettes try to keep up on twisty bits is great fun. I have never had the heart to tell them I was not even trying. LOL
What is the visibility through the back window? It looks extremely minimal.
I personally think $12k for this car with the upgraded engine is worth the dough. Fiberglass is relatively easy to repair compared to steel or aluminum and these cars are the definition of lightweight, which means having anything over 100 horsepower is more than enough juice to go fast. But I’m a power monger, so I’d rebuild the engine for more compression and revs with the appropriate cams and bigger valves and I’d also port and polish the intake and heads. I’d bet this Europa would be scary fast with 140-150 horsepower. I’d also install more modern sport seats to hold me in place better for when I hit some twisty Adirondack roads, because the OG seats from this era were barely deep enough to be considered “bucket” seats. I have fantasized about owning a classic Lotus my entire adult life, and this Europa is definitely priced right for folks of modest means who still want to experience the Lotus ethos, and BRG is wholly appropriate. I wouldn’t change the color or the wheels, it’s perfect as it is.
Nice project for someone who appreciates the Lotus Europa.
I do and will buy but no response.is it still for sale?
If this car is still for sale let me know. The owner doesn’t respond. I just need to know.