Much has been made of Colin Chapman and his passion for low weight in his race and road cars. No vehicle better encapsulates this approach than the 1967 Lotus Europa. It features a modest drivetrain configuration, but with only 1,351 lbs to shift, its four-cylinder engine provides surprisingly energetic performance. This Europa appears to be the relatively rare S1A version that underwent a previous restoration, although cosmetic deterioration means it is due for a repeat performance. The Lotus is listed here on Craigslist in Staunton, Virginia. The seller set their price at $10,000 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this promising project.

I described the Chapman philosophy as a passion, but it would be almost fair to label it an obsession. There was no room for excess weight or luxury appointments in his early road cars, with his approach leaving no scope for luxury touches like air conditioning. The S1A versions, like our feature car, featured removable side windows and no seat adjusters. Achieving a comfortable driving position involved diving into the footwell with a spanner to adjust the pedal location. It is fitting that this Europa is finished in British Racing Green, reflecting the company’s heritage. The seller purchased the car in 2005 from a panel and paint man who had repaired the typical front frame rust. The exterior was massaged into shape before receiving a cosmetic refresh. With significant deterioration and cracking, time has not been kind to the paint. The new owner will probably choose to strip the panels as part of a high-end restoration, and the relative rarity of this car justifies that approach. It is worth noting that while this appears to be a genuine S1A version with the correct taillight assemblies, it wears doors from the S2 derivative. The external door handles and lowered driver’s window seemingly confirm this. The new owner may wish to source the correct items as part of a faithful restoration. They might need to be patient because the relative rarity of the S1A means they are hard to locate. Some trim pieces would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the wheels and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

The minimalist approach is clearly visible inside this Lotus. There is no radio, the dash features lightweight timber veneer, and there is no radio. The large air vents will be a blessing because life inside this Europa could become sauna-like on hot days, even with the side windows removed. The overall impression is pretty positive, with only a few flaws requiring attention. The door trims are cut for aftermarket speakers, but the company produces reproductions to address the problem. However, since these are S2 doors, it may not be a consideration if the new owner can source the correct S1A doors with the door trim “pockets” to store the side glass once removed. The shifter knob has gone, but this is another item available from Lotus. Originals occasionally appear online, and browsing some of the usual auction sites might net a positive result. The seats are in good order, and there are no dash problems. Whipping this interior into shape shouldn’t break the bank and would be straightforward.

Lotus produced the Europa as a mid-engined sports car, with this S1A featuring a 1,565cc four that started life in the Renault 16TL. It should send 87hp and 75 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. Both figures sound modest, but the low curb weight means it should cover the ¼-mile in 17.3 seconds on its way to 119mph. However, when pointed at a twisting ribbon of bitumen, these classics come into their own. The low center of gravity and four-wheel independent suspension means it grips like a limpet, leaving more powerful cars in its wake. This Europa runs and drives, but it currently isn’t numbers-matching. That isn’t the end of the world because the seller includes the original 1,470cc four and matching transaxle. They say that with a rebuild, they could be slotted back into place as part of a faithful restoration.

This 1967 Lotus Europa S1A is a promising project, and the price makes it affordable. Tackling its panel and paint issues in a home workshop should be possible, but the most expensive part of the build could be finding the correct doors for a meticulous restoration. The new owner could compromise, but with the S1A and S1B models only contributing 342 vehicles to the Europa’s production total, it could be worthwhile to take the time and effort to find the correct parts. It will almost certainly never be a mega-bucks classic. Still, rising values should justify the cost and effort of returning this Lotus to its former glory using the correct components. Do you agree?