Am I an idiot for wanting a Lotus Europa?

I've always wanted one since high school. Am I looking at a rat hole and tears of pain?

I have this thing for "tiny" cars. I sat in one many, many years ago so I know the comfort issues. But, I wonder if they are a headache I don't need.

 

3 words:

Purchase a Elise.

 

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for just being nostalgic. Lotus cars in general are not very robust (Colin Chapman won races because his cars were LIGHT). The Europa is interesting but has more in common with a kit car than anything made in a real factory. I remember one guy that was a regular customer because his rear suspension (held together with roll-pins) kept coming apart. At first I ordered the parts from a Lotus supplier but it happened so frequently that I located the same ridiculously flimsy parts at the hardware store.

 

i had one in high school. a renault gordini version. i loved it. it was cool but at 6-4 tall, it was not comfy.would love to have a perfect jps tc version or a true 47 race car!!!

pcb

 

Haha - you and me both! Sat in one in high school and I was bitten.

I actually have a thing for quirky, 70's era cars - Europas, Opel GTs, Datsun 240Z (although that's not really quirky), Cosworth Vegas, Saab Sonnetts, etc.

I'd love a Europa, wouldn't mind an Elise either (per CarReaper's recommendation).

 

Second this motion

 

The engine and drivetrain are from a Renault. That's all that needs to be said.

 

Get a 74 Europa Big Valve Twin Cam. Great car and tons of fun, very small for sure but a blast to drive.

 

If you like tiny cars you should buy my alpine Renault a110

 

Have you ever driven one?

 

only on the early cars.

 

I want one, too. A Banks Europa with a Vauxhall engine. But you have to bear in mind that the reviews were pretty horrid when the car was new, more than 40 years ago, and time waits for no one...
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I've always thought the Lotus Europa Special was a stunning car. Some nice pictures in the thread here: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/sold-1974-lotus-europa-special-jps-livery-96669/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Europa
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Yes

 

I loved my 73 Special (big valve)

They are a frail car but a blast to own and drive if you are handy, and if the one you get has been in the hands of a true Lotus enthusiast. I sold mine reluctantly to a fellow that wanted a great example because he offered me a record price of $26,000!
Now I wish I had kept it.

I did move on to get an Esprit S2 which is built to a little more robust design. It is equally pleasing to drive and has the looks beat by a mile IMO.

I plan to add a brand new Lotus to the garage next spring but you must understand that once you own a Lotus you can never be without a Lotus... and a Lotus in the garage may make a Ferrari owner disappointed in the feel when driving his machine from Maranello.

beev
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those who can't do, teach?



but, not a bad idea. a lot of the Lotus quirkiness with fewer of the real drawbacks (ie Elises actually run most of the time).

 

Those who cant find a krypton green car, dont care.

 

Although I like them, I remember my Dad and brother working on a customer's S2 that was attempting to separate its body from the chassis (among other things). Elise for me.

 

No. Seems like fun though. I have a 458 for speed. I'm looking for some drama but without too much of a headache.

 

I think what ever decision you make will be an informed one....Mark

 

Yah, but I'm smart enough to avoid listening to someone here.
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Have you considered street luging?
At least the vehicle maintenance would be less of an issue ...
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He'd look far cooler too.

 

Ive been looking at these for a while but havnt pulled the trigger. My 6 garage spaces are full unless I start stacking up. Prices are cheap but wont remain so. Probably a great car as a dedicated track car. Closest thing, other than a TVR that works on street and track.Would have to convince my wife because she believes all lotuses are death traps.