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

 

In your opinion, how is the TC's rear visibility compared to earlier models?

Were you to do it over, would you opt for Federalized [105 hp] or Euro [115 hp] spec?

Aside from labor, what was the 23K outlay for, mostly?

Is it surprising there's been no engine rebuild?

I noticed on an exchange you had recently with 2000 456M, there was a good deal of talk about headlights, and how they affect speed/handling. As such, I'm confused as to how handling would be affected, as I thought these weren't popup headlights, and wondered if a chin spoiler would be the actual fix, as on a 348.

 

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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

 

As per the above post. Lets see some pictures please. Especially the interior and engine.

 

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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Ken,great looking Europa! I had a '70 S2 and I miss it every single day! I always had something to fix on the car,but that's part of the charm I guess.It was black,so you can imagine it was an oven in the summer!I upgraded mine to side draft webbers.The Europa is still one of my all time favorite cars.
Carter

 

Could I please have one of these Banks Europa 47's with the hot Vauxhall engine, please, please?
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That is a terrifically fantastic car. I wish I could fit.

Ferrari Mondial - the Lotus Europa for really big people.

 

omg...that is hawt!!!

 

I wanted a JPS sooo badly till I sat in one. Even at 20 years old the size was to small and I'm only 6'1". Footwell was comical.
Still a very cool car. I have the "giant" 84 Turbo Esprit.

 

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

 

Well... This is a picture of my ex 1971 S2 (crappy, I know but it's the only one I have right now...) I spent many hours and miles in this car with my 6'-4", 180# frame, size 12 feet. I don't think I would fit well today because it's now 35 years later and I've "grown" a bit. I never had much trouble with the rear sails that were not cut down like the twincam-- if you're faster than everyone, you don't need to look back!
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i love the cosmic wheels and the pirelli cn-36 tires!

 

Ken,
I remember well the first time I looked at a Europa. I was going to college in California and I saw it at a Lotus dealer (it was either 67 or 68). It had the Renault engine in it and the flying wings. I remember sitting in it and thinking no one could possibly drive this for any distance. I don't remember there being a dead pedal anywhere and the pedals were so close I would hit a couple of pedals everytime I moved my feet. A friend of mine is a real Lotus nut and has several from new to old. He told me about this site.
http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/cars_home.htm This guy basically remakes the Europa only wider to accomodate todays standards.

John

 

Here's my Lotus Elan +2S
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I just recently sold my 73 Europa "Big Valve" Special....what great fun!
Down to 5 toy cars now, and another Lotus coming soon.

 

I had a JPS Special in green in 1978, it was a fun car