No Reserve: 1970 Lotus Europa S2

Hiding in this garage is a car that was the product of one of the most innovative minds in motorsport history. Colin Chapman focused on weight reduction with his Formula One machinery, adopting the same approach with his Lotus Europa. This 1970 Europa S2 has spent decades in storage and is begging to be returned to active service. The process will likely involve a nuts-and-bolts approach, but it appears this classic is essentially complete. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Huntington, West Virginia. They set their No Reserve auction to open at $3,999, but have received no bids at the time of writing.

Launched in 1966, early Europas represented motoring at its most basic. The Chapman mantra of “simplify, then add lightness” meant that early buyers had to forego such luxuries as opening windows, adjustable seats, and interior door trims. The company released its Series 2 in 1968, adding those features and a slightly more luxurious interior to widen the badge’s appeal. It is unclear how long the seller has been the car’s custodian, but they confirm that the previous owner purchased the vehicle at a police auction approximately twenty-seven years ago. It appears to be a restoration project that has stalled several times, and with the frame exhibiting obvious surface corrosion, entirely dismantling the Europa would seem the most appropriate option. The listing images also reveal fiberglass damage on the upper driver’s side rear quarter panel. The existing Orange paint isn’t original, with the photos supporting the seller’s belief that this Lotus started life wearing Blue, possibly Royal Blue.

The Europa perfectly demonstrates the Chapman fixation with vehicle weight. This classic offered buyers all-weather protection and a reasonable selection of creature comforts, but still tipped the scales at around 1,460 lbs. Therefore, it didn’t need anything potent under the hood to provide respectable performance. Lotus sourced the Europa S2’s mid-mounted 1,565cc four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transaxle from Renault, placing around 85hp at the driver’s disposal. The Europa was more spritely than the modest power figure might suggest, but these cars genuinely come to life on twisting roads, where the low curb weight and center of gravity provide limpet-like grip. The seller confirms that this Europa doesn’t run, and it appears that it hasn’t for decades. The engine spins, but there is no spark. Therefore, another task for the winning bidder is to breathe new life into the motor.

This Europa’s interior, trimmed in Black vinyl, is partially dismantled. A previous owner removed the pedals, gauges, and other items, but they are present. The car retains desirable items like the factory radio, although a complete interior restoration will be integral to this build. That might sound daunting, but it isn’t as bad as many might think. Several local companies produce reproduction parts that could assist in the process. However, those preferring originality will welcome the news that Lotus still manufactures many of the interior trim pieces. It is willing to ship internationally, and although that approach won’t be cheap, the interior would look stunning once reassembled.

Some people can’t warm to the Lotus Europa’s styling, finding it just a bit too radical. However, others appreciate the Chapman approach to lightness and his desire to produce a car with a low center of gravity, offering exceptional handling. This 1970 Europa S2 ticks those boxes, although the winning bidder faces plenty of work before it takes its rightful place on our roads. Dismissing this classic out of hand could be a mistake, because the lack of auction action and the No Reserve factor could allow someone to become its next owner with a single mouse click. If you love British sports cars, is that idea too tempting to resist?