It is fascinating how we sometimes go for months without seeing a particular classic at Barn Finds, and then several will appear in quick succession. Such has been the case with the Lotus Europa. Those we’ve recently seen require major cosmetic work to present at their best, but this 1973 Europa Twin Cam Special looks pretty good. Adding to its appeal is the seller’s decision to include a significant parts stash that could provide alternatives for almost any unforeseen eventuality. The Lotus is listed here on Craigslist in the City of Napa, California. It could be yours for $25,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.
Okay, I’m going on record by saying I don’t think the Europa was the most attractive vehicle to emerge from the company’s Norfolk factory. However, I respect its design philosophy, which encapsulated Colin Chapman’s belief that the company should simplify and add lightness to its products. The ground-hugging body is aerodynamically efficient while providing a low center of gravity. Both characteristics are critical when the engine’s power output is relatively modest by most standards. This Europa has spent its life in California. The climate is ideal for steel preservation, meaning the frame should be structurally sound. The Lotus Yellow paint retains a pleasing shine, and the close-up shots reveal no significant flaws that would justify an immediate cosmetic restoration. The doors have succumbed to the typical sagging issues, but the included new set of stainless hinges should easily make those a distant memory. The chrome looks exceptional for its age, and there are no apparent glass problems. The Europa currently wears steel wheels and hubcaps, but the seller includes two sets of genuine Lotus alloy wheels. One set is freshly restored, and fitting them would markedly lift the overall appearance.
I was bracing for the worst when I opened the listing because the Europa’s interior is a known weak point. Upholstery can become quite shabby with age, and the timber dash fascia is prone to deterioration. However, this one is a revelation. The Black vinyl is excellent, with no issues justifying a retrim. The dash is spotless, with a shiny finish and no signs of cracks. The gauges feature crisp markings and clear lenses, and the elegant three-spoke wheel is equally impressive. It isn’t loaded with luxury touches, but the new owner will probably welcome the AM/FM radio.
Powering this Europa is the company’s sweet mid-mounted 1,558cc twin-cam four that would have sent 113hp and 104 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. The power and torque figures are modest, but that engine only has 1,554 lbs to shift. That makes the ¼-mile ET of 15.6 seconds and top speed of 120mph pretty impressive. To place the ET into perspective, a Pontiac Trans Am needed a 455 under the hood to produce a 15.3-second pass, while a ’73 Mustang Mach 1 required the 351-4V powerplant to show it a clean set of heels. The term “giant killer” springs instantly to mind. This Europa doesn’t run, and it appears it hasn’t for many years. However, there are plenty of highlights to entice potential buyers. The engine turns freely, meaning it may only require a thorough inspection and basic maintenance to bring it back to life. The collection of parts will also be welcome. The new owner receives another engine block, a pair of twin-cam cylinder heads, a new custom-made aluminum radiator, and numerous other items to help keep the car in active service for many decades.
This 1973 Lotus Europa Special won’t appeal to everybody, but that is the case with virtually any classic. However, it is ideal for an enthusiast seeking a car that provides an engaging driving experience. These classics “come alive” when pointed at a twisting ribbon of tarmac where the driver can exploit its inherent balance and poise. This one needs work, but it appears that a few weekends spent in a home workshop could return it to a mechanically roadworthy state. Those thoughts must make it worth a close look.
25 large for a non-runner? No. I am assuming it isn’t just the plug leads being off the plugs! I cannot open the craigslist ad here at the office, but there seems to be a lot of unanswered questions…
Car seems in nice shape generally. But why go out and buy a nice new aluminum radiator, and a spare cylinder head(s), unless it previously overheated and blew the head gasket (or worse)?
best,
bt
Overheating seems to be a problem on quite a few. Mine a 69 did this as a new car until I sold it nine months later. As to the hinges there are none. The door rotates on a metal pipe running up and down thru the door. Simple and lite like the rest of the car.
This does look pretty good, i had a 1969, they really don’t say why it does not run? No drivers mirror. Price is a tad high, and why not put the better wheels on?
I had a 73 Europa Spl, a JPS Black/Gold a few number past this VIN mine was 2888R 5 speed alloy wheels
My inner cynic is really showing this morning, but this one raises as many questions as the McQueen Oldsmobile, just for different reasons:
A clean example of a Europa, with a better than average interior. Comes with a horde of parts, including most of what you would need to build a new engine.
But it doesn’t run.
Someone realized that they are in over their head, or they just lost interest because it’s never going to be worth the time and effort. I’d say the asking price is an opener, and he’s hoping someone will “low-ball” him at $15K.
Acknowledging the questions above I wonder why the front is so high. It’s easy to adjust to where you want it but that nice smooth front bodywork isn’t going to do anybody any good unless it’s lowered. I had two ’72s and sold them before I got the chance to put one of the British Ford engines in one of them to replace the Renault engine. Not knocking the Renault but that Ford put out a lot more hp.
Unusual to see a TC in yellow. Agree the price is high but there is a lot of value in the parts.
Ref the looks, this was ultramodern and desirable when it was new, with a true race heritage (Lotus 47). A young enthusiast of the time would definitely see the Elan as old fashioned next to the Europa. Like I did…
Maybe the squashed look hasn’t aged well (in direct contrast to Alpine A110 which we thought a bit strange-looking in late 60s) but definitely was a sales success for Lotus. Maybe the last one they had….
$25k ask?… and it “doesn’t run… …and it appears it has not in many years”… Nope.
Agree, seems like a lot with the big doesn’t run question mark hanging over it.
@luckless pedestrian–don’t take me alive?
I could hold out here all night :-)
As the Owner of this Lotus I’m glad Barn Finds picked up my listing. This Europa was truly my “Barn Find”. I also appreciate the comments and maybe I can answer some questions.
I found this car in a car barn that had 12 other classic cars, all sitting for many years due to the owner and his wife being ill. The Europa was just parked and not ran again, there were no issues with engine or cooling. He also had a hoard of Lotus parts that included block, heads, etc. which I bought too.
My intent was to get the Europa driving again and I stared buying more parts, removed the radiator had it re-cored and bought an aluminum radiator which was recommended. Bought SS hinge kit for the driver door and removed the mirror. But life and other car projects took my time and the Europa went on the backburner. I don’t see me getting to it soon so I decided to sell, it’s a great project for someone.
This car is in amazing condition, paint and interior alone makes this car special. Is my price to high, maybe but find another in this original condition with my quality extra parts. I’m sure the next owner will not be disappointed with this package deal.
For comparison check out this project that sold on BAT for $21,000:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-lotus-europa-twin-cam-13/
As the Owner of this Lotus I’m glad Barn Finds picked up my listing. This Europa was truly my “Barn Find”. I also appreciate the comments and maybe I can answer some questions.
I found this Lotus in a car barn that had 12 other classic cars, all sitting for many years due to the owner and his wife being ill. The Europa was just parked and not ran again, there were no issues with engine or cooling. He also had a hoard of Lotus parts that included block, heads, etc. which I bought too.
My intent was to get the Europa driving again and I started buying more parts, removed the radiator had it re-cored and bought an aluminum radiator which was recommended. Bought SS hinge kit for the driver door and removed the mirror. But life and other car projects took my time and the Europa went on the backburner. I don’t see me getting to it soon so I decided to sell, it’s a great project for someone.
This car is in amazing condition, original paint and interior alone makes this car special. Is my price too high, maybe but find another in this original condition with my quality extra parts. I’m sure the next owner will not be disappointed with this package deal.
For comparison check out this project that sold on BAT for $21,000:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-lotus-europa-twin-cam-13/