Lotus Europa (The Real One)

I bought a 1972 Lotus Europa TC in 2001 that was in better than average shape, but being a Lotus that means I've pretty much had to repair or replace at least part of every major system since then! I didn't have a lot of spare cash in 2001 but wanted a toy car, and the Europa really fit the bill, especially since I have zero knowledge of haow cars worked. I paid $8500 for it and I figure I have $23k in it total as of today, which is cheap by Ferrari standards. Granted, that includes $6k in labor for tasks I farmed out the first 2 years.

I've really learned quite a bit working on this car on my own since then. I've rebuilt the brake system and carbs, done my fair share of electrical, cooling system and fuel system work, replaced the carpeting, ignition...pretty much everything except an engine rebuild.

These are fun cars that are as quick as a 2 valve 308 but handles much better. Lots of fairly inexpensive mods can be done to get it in the 0-60 in less than 6 seconds range. It's not nearly as refined as a Ferrai though; they are really street legal auto-x cars in ASP; it weighs 1500 pounds. They will get smoked by modern cars with 300+ HP but hold their own on any small circuit with it's 120 HP (estimated in the US version without emissions crap).

So if anyone has any questions on what to look for in Europa's or anything else about them, here's your opportunity!

Ken

 

I have never driven an S1 or S2 with the full "sails" but I can imagine it's an issue with them. My car has no visability issues at all, although one always turns his head before changing lanes. The car is so small that one drives assuming no one sees it.

Besides the $8.5K for the car, I bought a few "big ticket" things...here's a partial list:

Cassette water pump/front cover combo $800

Carpeting $300

New Master Cylinder and flex lines: $500

Stainless steel headers/exhaust: $1600

Misc. things: ignition module, distributor, rear linkage UJ, new dash, set of center caps, pedal rubbers, carb rebuild kits, dash switches, thermostats, otter switch, carb needles and jets, cables, alternator parts, charcoal cannister, window lift motor, door handle trim surrounds, tachometer....there's a million little things!

All US Europas are Federalized meaning Stromberg carbs which are two chokes. The firing order means one cylinder is always trying to rob the other, so you don't get full efficiency although the crossover tube helps . The euro versions have Dellorto carbs which feed each cylinder seperately. They give you 125 HP. My engine is rated at 117 HP stock, the euro small valve is 105 although some publications have suggested the US version is 105, however all US cars are big valve engines. By pulling the emission tubes off, changing the advance from 6 degrees to 11, putting electronic ignition in with a high output coil, changing the spark plug gaps from .025 to .033", and disabling the vacuum retard on the distributer gives you close to the euro HP. Owners who have driven my car have said it's the fasted "stock" TC they have driven.

Mild porting will boost the HP to 130. In a major rebuild you can get up to 180 HP but that means new cams, Weber or Dellorto carbs which means remachining the head...and that's not cheap!

The valve guides are short and last 40k miles. My car has almost 60k and is starting to smoke...plus I'm getting gas in the oil so a rebuild is due. The car still runs strong but I don't want to start it self destructing! So I need to get to it.

I've read the headlight buckets create downforce at speed, and the chin spoiler is 100% necessary even at 60 MPH or the front gets very light. The amazing thing about a Lotus is how one part does several tasks. The spare tire ducts air to the radiator for instance, and the interior door trim keeps the inner panel tight. The rear suspension is only a 2 link affair: the half shafts are part of it, then there's the lower links. It's unique on road cars!

Ken

 

I'll do that Monday; they are on my work computer.

Ken

 

Here's a few shots in my driveway.

Ken
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I have never driven a car with smaller and closer pedals. Ferrari owners who complain about theirs should try a Europa and they'll stop complaining! Also, the Europa gas pedal is hinged at the top while the clutch and brake are at the bottom; I undersatnd this is the opposite of most other sports cars and it makes for relearning heel and toeing a bit.

Ken