Colin Chapman campaigned his Lotus Europa against Lola, hoping to convince Ford that by "adding lightness" instead of horsepower Ferrari could be vanquished. Ford chose the Lola chassis and stuffed it with a V8 and we all know how that turned out.
Undeterred, Chapman and Lotus moved forward with the design that came to be known as the Europa, which is still lauded as one of the best handling cars ever produced.
This Lotus Europa came in to my possession with some issues, most prominent of which was the gearbox. Turns out the linkage, which consists of no less than five discrete components, was the culprit and not the internals of the 4-speed transmission. It took three sets of hands working in concert to get it right. Now it shifts into all forward and reverse gears. The Weber carb on the Renault sourced inline 4-cylinder was serviced and she is running quite well.
This is not a restored car, but rather a sweet little survivor. Its got some patina but is complete and in good working order, with instrumentation and lights working as they should. Is there more to be done? Of course but it is a fully driving car that can be driven and enjoyed as its steadily improved. That owner involvement is the key to a successful love affair with a Europa. If you just want a car you can drive and park its probably not for you. If you like the idea of tinkering with the camber and toe, and spiritedly driving it between adjustments then this is your car.
You don't just drive a Europa, you wear it.
Located in Rowlett, Texas this iconic Lotus street car is offered for sale as is where is with a clean Texas Title.
