1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam
£ 44995
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Body
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Coupe
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Transmission
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Manual
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Exterior Color
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Red
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Upholstery
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Leather
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Steering
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Rhd
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By the mid-1960s, the mid-engine vehicle configuration was well-established as the optimal design for Grand Prix cars, however almost no road vehicles yet used this arrangement. Lotus planned the Europa to be a volume-produced, two-seater mid-engine sports Coupe built to reasonable cost, quite an ambitious goal for the time. Like all Lotus vehicles of the era, the Europa was designed and built following Colin Chapman’s oft-stated philosophy of automotive design: “Simplify, then add lightness”. To this end, a number of ingenious design approaches were made by Lotus to allow it to economically overcome the many challenges presented by the novel mid-engine arrangement.
in 1966 the Series 1 cars were fitted with a modified Renault 16 1,470 cc inline 4 cylinder and a 4-speed gearbox. The engine was a special 82 hp version (as opposed to the 63 hp generated in standard form). Lotus adapted the affordable but lightweight Renault engine and gearbox to the revolutionary Europa longitudinal mid-engined layout, inverting the gearbox’s crown wheel on its pinion gear to avoid having four reverse gears.
In 1971, the Type 74 Europa Twin Cam was made available to the public, with a 105 hp 1,557 cc Lotus Twin Cam engine (113 hp US “Federal” version with standard emissions control and Big Valve engine with Stromberg carburetors, until the end of production) and a re-designed bodyshell to improve rearward visibility. Initially it was available with the same gearbox as the earlier cars, once the supply had been exhausted in 1972 a new stronger Renault four-speed gearbox (Type 352) was introduced. Mike Kimberley, who rose to become chief executive of Group Lotus, then a new engineer at Lotus, was appointed Chief Engineer of the Europa TC project. 1,580 cars were shipped as Europa “Twin Cam” before Lotus switched to a 126 hp “Big Valve” version of the engine.
Production of the original Lotus Europa ceased in 1975, with a total of 9,230 cars of all models having been built.
EQUIPMENT
1.6 Twin Cam, Regency Red, Oatmeal Leather, Wood Veneer, Moto-Lita Steering Wheel, 13″ Original Wheels, Yokohama A539 Tyres,
EXTERIOR
The fabulous Europa endures as a design masterpiece – built with a refreshing focus and purity that stands out in a world of modern cars and regulations. Finished is a period combination of Regency Red and Cream this stunning example presents as one of the best Europas on the road, having been recently taken back to bare metal, etch primed and repainted in this iconic Lotus F1 combination.
During its restoration the owner decided to have the indicators moved under the bumper and not sat on the bonnet to give the car a cleaner and sleeker look.
The brightwork is in superb condition whilst the chromed areas such as the door handles, rear screen and door surrounds show to be brand new with excellent fit and finish.
INTERIOR
The Oatmeal interior works beautifully in contrast to the Regency exterior and was completely re-trimmed by marque specialists in 2021. As such, the seats are in pristine condition along with the door cards and sill carpets present neatly whilst all instrumentation and switch gear have been beautifully restored.
The cabin is elegantly finished with the distinguished leather bound Moto-Lita Steering Wheel that still exhibits an unspoilt lacquer.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
This Twin Cam Europa would first appear in 1971 as superior , power was appreciably increased, with 105 hp from its 1,557cc (1.6 litre) capacity over the original Series 1 63 bhp. Though slightly heavier, the Twin Cam was a better engine in every regard and it transformed the Europa.
Having just been through a meticulous restoration the whole engine and running gear have been stripped and rebuilt with new components to take it back to UK Spec leaving it looking and running as ‘brand new’ having covered less than 100 miles since the work was completed.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
What better way to compliment the recently restored body than with newly re-furbished 13″ original wheels. These vintage wheels are provided with all new rubber, sitting on Yokohama A539’s 185/60R13, to ensure a matching sports ride and feel.
The recent restoration service saw the braking system stripped and rebuilt with seals replaced to make sure the car stops as it should.
HISTORY FILE
On 14th July 1972 this Europa left the production line as a LHD US car that was sold through Lotus Mid South and stayed in America until 2006 where it was imported to the UK. Upon arrival the new owner started its meticulous restoration that was only finished in 2021.
During its restoration the car has been fully built to UK spec with a RHD conversion including a new firewall instead of cutting up the original.
Servicing and maintenance of the car is outlined in a detailed history file which shows thousands of pounds worth of invoices from the early 90’s up until 2022. These invoices include details of a respray by specialist Spydercars which extended into an a complete restoration of the car including the recent full re-trim costing £3,971.
Unlike many examples this Europa has been cherished for long periods by its owners and therefore is thought to be just a 4 owner car from new (2 being in the UK). As such the car presents as a concourse, well loved example.
Present with the car is an extensive history file, original manual, Certificate Of Provenance and V5.
