The Lotus Europa features styling that typically polarizes opinions. However, it remained true to the Colin Chapman mantra of “simplify, then add lightness.” Its engine bay houses a motor considered tiny by North American standards, but with the car weighing little more than a postage stamp, it delivered impressive performance. This 1972 Europa is a restoration candidate, but what makes it worth more than a passing glance is the price. If an affordable British classic is on your Wish List, this little Lotus comfortably ticks that box. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting this Europa listed here on Craigslist in Smithville, Ontario, Canada. The seller set their price at $4,500, but they don’t specify the currency.
Released in 1966, the Lotus Europa was marketed as an affordable mid-engined sports car delivering impressive performance. The vehicle evolved during its production run, with the last cars leaving the Norfolk factory in 1975. One of the badge’s most significant moments occurred in 1971, with the release of the Type 74 variant. This brought a cosmetic update that improved rearward visibility, along with a twin-cam four under the hood. Our featured Type 74 left the showroom in 1972 and is in need of restoration. I don’t believe the paint shade is original, because it doesn’t appear on that year’s Lotus color chart. That said, the deterioration will undoubtedly motivate the buyer to strip away the existing paint and repair and fiberglass imperfections during the build. The great unknown is the backbone chassis, which is prone to rust at the body mounts. However, the lack of visible corrosion elsewhere may be a positive sign. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade refresh.
Lotus never wavered from its original design philosophy throughout the Europa’s production life. The company followed a mid-engine approach, initially utilizing mechanical components sourced from Renault. However, the release of the Type 74 brought a profound change, as Lotus replaced the Renault powerplant with the Lotus-Ford 1,558cc twin-cam four. The new motor provided an enormous performance boost, producing 113hp and 104 ft/lbs of torque, compared to the Renault motor’s 87hp and 75 ft/lbs. The ponies found their way to the road via the rear wheels and a four-speed manual transaxle, with the factory declaring a ¼-mile ET of 15.9 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. That said, contemporary road tests improved on both figures, demonstrating that the Europa was a genuine giant-killer. The seller indicates that although this Europa is mechanically complete, it doesn’t run or drive. They have confirmed that the twin-cam turns freely, but only an in-person inspection will determine whether a rebuild is required.
The Europa’s interior is complete, retaining features such as the distinctive wheel and AM/FM radio. The seats and door trims aren’t obviously ripped and might look acceptable after a deep clean. The pad looks okay, but the timber gauge fascia has deteriorated, the console has a few flaws, and the carpet has seen better days. These shortcomings can often be an obstacle when sourcing parts for what is essentially a low-volume classic. However, Lotus still produces many interior components and is willing to ship these items internationally for a very reasonable fee. Therefore, addressing those issues shouldn’t be a problem.
Regardless of which way we cut it, this 1972 Lotus Europa is an affordable restoration candidate. If the seller’s price of $4,500 is in Canadian dollars, it equates to US$3,240. Even at the higher figure, the fact that the vehicle is complete and retains its sweet twin-cam motor makes it worth a closer look. If you have a love for the Europa, would you consider pursuing this one further?
I used to walk by one of these every morning on the way to elementary school in Toronto in the early 1970s. Not sure if it was this series or earlier, and if this is the one with improved rear visibility, how bad was the previous version?
I am confused. This has an S2 body with a twincam – to my knowledge all twincams came with the cut down buttresses out back. Happy to be proven wrong here but I wonder if this has not been rebodied.
Regardless, a Weber twincam head is worth the money if priced in $C. I am 17 hours away, otherwise would be travelling to see it
best
bt
There’s something “off” about this Europa. I’m no expert, but every twincam Europa I’ve ever seen had the later body with the lowered “buttresses” that improved rearward vision at least somewhat.
So I have to wonder if someone in its past transplanted the later engine.
Aside from that, the backbone chassis has been known to rust — new ones are still available, I think — and the next owner will face a lot of fiddly work to get it back on the road.
Worth it? Probably. for those compact enough to fit inside, they are neat cars that, like all Loti, are nimble and fast. Price seems good, but have a good set of tools on hand, and be ready to search for the parts it will almost inevitably need.
Ray, I agree. The body is the older style which had the Renault power plant. Plus this Twin Cam motor has the finned valve cover yet it has Weber carbs. I have never seen them together. My 65 S2 had Webers but it had the older rounded valve cover.
My 2 S2s were simple to work on and taking the body off to work on the frame was a piece of cake. Plenty of parts available and the registry full of information. Don’t know if there was a combination of parts in ’72 but you can go to the registry to find out. Fun cars, easy to work on but I recommend swapping out the fuel tanks for fuel cells.
My ’73 TC had the cut down buttresses and the car was reasonably original & unmolested. Sold it (and several other cars) to by a 328 GTS which was HUGE compared to the Europa. Don’t get me wrong…I loved the Europa but having gained a few pounds over the years, I do not fold like I did in my youth. Parting advice: LOTUS = Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.
Back in the mid-eighties, I ended up with a relatively decent Europa which had been pledged as collateral in a (not-so-good) business deal. The guy dropped it off at my place, and signed over the title one evening at my home. It was getting late , so I planned to deal with it the next day. My driveway was a long single lane, with a thick hedge on one side, and a hill & trees on the other. As I began to get ready to leave for work, I realized the Lotus was blocking my daily driver.
I grabbed the Lotus key, opened the door and went to “hop-in” to move it. To my surprise, and frustration, I was too big to get behind the wheel (6ft 2in, about 230 lbs). My leg wouldn’t even get between the drivers seat & steering wheel. I had to push it out of the way. I never got to drive it, and had it towed to a shop that specialized in Lotus sales and service. I think they got me around $6K for it on consignment.
I had a 1969, yes this is a early body style. The seller has it listed as a automatic, posted 11 days ago.
Or…
Lots Of Testosterone, Usually Sensational
Laws Of The United States (well, that’s depressing). Talk about bureaucracy messing with a great design.
Had not heard those before, Tim…good ones! Many thanks for sharing.
Have owned both of these types. Have external mirrors and know how to use them. My T/C was a ’71 and had the cut down sail panels and a 4-speed trans. Both an absolute blast to drive in the twisties. Definitely not for tall folks. 6′ should be about max for normal ingress& egress and overall comfort. You don’t really get in and out, rather, you kind of “put it on”. My type 54 was the favorite as the T/C was somewhat heavier so straight line performance was essentially similar.
I consider the Europa S1 & S2 to be the un-compromised “sportscars”. Of them, my favorites are the Type 54 S2 that was sold in the UK, Europe, and the ‘Rest of the World’. It was the way Lotus wanted it. The Type 65 S2 was heavily messed with by USA Federal standards. The car had to be changed to meet standards if Lotus wished to sell it in the USA !! And the changes weren’t nice.
The Twin Cam & Twin Cam Specials are more like “mini-GT” cars. By my standards, there is too much compromise in the name of “comfort”. And again, Federal Specs got involved. When it comes to cars, Federal Specs are never a good thing.
Tim
Years ago I tried to get in one and my size 12 shoes hit all three pedals at the same time.
The twin-cam engine makes this desirable, but it probably needs an overhaul. Before making the leap, ask your fiberglass body and paint man what a good paint job will cost. The interior is a “rolling restoration” project. Lotus has good club support, and most parts are available used or rebuilt. The condition of the chassis is a big factor here. Because this is an unusual project car, and in Canada, this owner will not get much interest in it, so show up with $4,00 in cash, and it’ll be yours.
The Europa Twin Cam’s wheelbase is two inches longer than the Europa S1 & S2 (Renault powered) models. The extra length is between the firewall (ie, the wall between the cabin and the engine bay) and the rear wheel well’s front wall.
An earlier S2 body will not fit on a later Twin Cam Chassis. Well, not without major cut-n-splice body surgery.
It was the Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine that required the extra wheelbase length in the Europa Twin Cam. That engine would not be an “easy” fit into an older Europa S1 or S2.
Tim
I would check the frame out relay good as Ontario ,Canada, uses alot of salt etc. on there roads,even if this one was not driven in the winter , the salt is still on the roads in the spring, I know ive lived there.
I live in Minnesota, and a LOT of road salt is used here in the Snow Season. My rule of Thumb is that the Driving Season does not start by some calendar date. It starts only after there has been enough hard, washing Spring rains to wash all the salt off of the roads. Gray is NOT the natural color of asphalt!!
Tim
I’ve loved these since I was a kid and occasionally saw one on the road. Never owned one and probably never will realistically. But a Europa would be my first choice of a dream car. The Elan would be 2nd.
The original Elite is my choice.
series 2 body with twin cam motor with Weber’s definitely not stock! makes you wonder what else owned a 73. 5’11” is about all you want to be to comfortably drive. If you have wide feet your going to find it easier to drive in bare feet. Ask me how I know. Fun cars
Over 5′ 10″ need not apply.
Would love to have this to make road worthy! Only needs a 5 spd stick swap.
Not sure how my late 60’s body would fold into it, but yes give me an ‘all there’ twin cam Europa any day. Not that far away either.
Beware. Guy is a scammer that has posted this car.
Curious, what reason do you have to label seller a scammer?
I’d love to find this in my driveway, if I had a driveway. It’s a shame I haven’t moved upstate yet.
There was one on the street a couple neighborhoods over a few moths ago. To see it in its physical form is inspiring.
This one looks pretty much all there. Great project, if you have the space. Just get it up and running, & safe for the road. Would probably consider a coat of primer as well.
Took deposit for paperwork to bring across border then ghosted.
Oh, not good.
Well, I spoke to David (seller). He told me he wasn’t prepared to go through the hassle of dealing with a US buyer (which could be understandable). This was on Sunday. So to subsequently take a US buyer’s money was at the least a change of heart……
best,
bt
To take money and disappear is a theft and scammer
This same car has an ad on facebook (kansas city), craigslist (clevland OH), etc etc etc. scam.