I remember a time when a Lotus Europa would be seen periodically traversing America’s highways and byways. I haven’t come across one in years so I thought it would be a worthwhile exercise to take a look at this 1970 example. It is located in Uxbridge, Massachusetts and is available here on eBay for a BIN price of $11,900 with a make an offer option.
The Europa was produced for ten years (1966-1975) and approximately 9,800 were built. This specific example is a model “S2”, produced between ’68 and ’70, and was the most common, at 4,200 produced. This S2, also known as a Type 54 (or in this case a Type 65 since it has been “Federalised” for U.S. export) made up a small volume of that 4,200 total. The seller states that this Lotus was a long-term (decades), dry storage occupant.
The seller believes this Europa was modified with “Else” enhancement which refers to J.A. Else and Sons, a British Lotus dealer and performance modifier. Bob Else lists some of the specifics that went into “Else” dealer-installed Lotus modifications in this article. The seller is clear that he does not have proof that this is an actual Else modified car and he suggests that potential buyer perform their own research but this Europa does possess an Else valve cover and a four into one exhaust header, reminiscent of Else prepared cars. So what powers this Europa? A Renault 1.6 liter, in-line, four-cylinder engine good for 80 HP. It doesn’t sound like much but in a two-seater that weighs only 1,500 lbs., it’s probably motivational. This example does run, with a fuel can connected to the fuel pump, and the seller says that the engine sounds pretty good but it has, however, not actually driven any time recently. Power to the rear wheels is via a four-speed manual transaxle.
This Europa has a Matchbox car look about it with its tiny footprint and flying buttress sail panels. The screaming yellow finish is probably a good idea, it let’s other taller vehicles know you are out there. And the finish appears to be pretty strong still, no sign of fading or oxidization. Owing to its fiberglass body, there is no concern for body corrosion. There are extensive images included in the listing and all show aligned, non-damaged body panels. The green wheels are a bit unusual, not sure what the statement is with those, or maybe there is no statement at all, just something different and a matter of choice.
As for the interior, it’s late ’60s/early ’70s British sports car the whole way. It’s basically in good nick though the black vinyl seats have been repaired with matching duct tape or something similar. The footwells appear to be deep so I imagine a tall driver, and passenger would have adequate legroom though the shoulder room looks tight. The wood veneer, or instrument panel faceplate, looks a bit worn but it’s a nice inclusion and adds to the atmosphere. There is typical British sports car full instrumentation in place but no word on how, or if, it all works.
There are many excellent images, via the listing, that accompany this Lotus, I recommend checking them all out. I would like to say that this is one of the nicest Lotus Europas that I have seen but it has been so long since my last encounter, I have nothing for the sake of comparison. Nevertheless, this example appears to be in fantastic shape for a half-century-old British sports car. It will probably have the most appeal for a Lotus enthusiast so I’d like to hear from anyone who has familiarity with a Europa, perhaps you have a story that you can share?
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