I am a car collector that has many special cars with a passion for the Lotus Brand. I spent several years looking for a Lotus Europa that was not trashed, not reworked by someone who had other ideas...and I wanted a true OEM great example that runs great and that I could also keep and be proud of or take to shows. That is this car. If you are looking for a "Done" car with nothing to do but enjoy it, then you will love this car. I have sold it a couple times on ebay to only get people to back out last minute due to various crazy reasons non related to the car. If you are a serious buyer... take a shot...you wont find another like this without spending much more than what I am selling it for.In 1971, the Type 74 Europa Twin Cam was made available to the public, with a 1,557-cc, 105-hp Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine with 1,580 cars shipped as Europa "Twin Cam" before Lotus switched to a 126-hp "Big Valve" version of the engine.The big valve "Europa Special" version was aspirated by Dell'Orto carburettors version of the same engine. Introduced in September 1972 the first 100 big valve cars were badged and painted to honor Team Lotus's 1972 F1 World Championship title with John Player Special as sponsors, all with five-speed gearbox, these were all black with gold pinstripe matching the livery of the GP cars. The "Special" name and color scheme was planned to be dropped after the first 200 cars, reverting to the Twin Cam name, but such was the reaction to the new car that the name and pinstripe scheme remained until the end of Europa production although colors other than black were made available. In the end only the numbered plaque distinguishing the first 100 JPS cars from other black Europa Specials. It is reported that a total of 4,710 Type 74s were produced of which 3,130 were "Specials.”Purchased from Auctions America...Reported as out of a collection with a known ownership history; this low mileage example has been taken apart and treated to a repaint by Phantom Restorations in Seattle, Washington, also undergoing a refurbishing, including the big valve heads being rebuilt. The A-arms have also received attention mechanically and cosmetically. Invoices and receipts for the last 30 years are included, as is the original license plate and sticker. see picture. Super nice Europa. Hard to find in such good condition.After purchase, the entire transmission was replaced and additional engine appointments. Full receipts and another $7,000 invested. Car sits in air conditioned storage with other collector cars.Since purchase, car has been driven very rarely. Miles listed are not correct and VIN not available at time of listing..Complete photos with details show correct info. |