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
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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.