Vehicle Description
1974 Lotus Europa Special
"The benefits of mid mounted engines meant they had become the norm
in motorsport, so it seemed logical for Lotus founder Colin Chapman
to transfer the layout to road cars. The Lotus Europa was the
result, developed as the Type 46. The bodywork was exceptionally
aerodynamic and the motoring media loved the way it handled. True
to its name it was only sold in mainland Europe. The Europa S2
debuted in April 1968 with extra refinement. A new variant aimed at
the North American market arrived in 1969, followed by the Europa
Twin Cam in 1971 and the Europa Special in 1972. Each version built
on customer feedback, enhancing the specification, improved comfort
and refinement, and building further credibility in Chapman's road
cars." Thx media.lotuscars.com
For consignment, a 1974 Lotus Europa special with a title verified
62,400 actual miles. The car was painted in 2017 and underwent a
refurbishment process that lasted from 2018 to 2021. Just 1,466
Europa Specials were built in '74 and less than 5,000 during the
run of twin cam variants which were produced from '71 to '74.
Exterior
It's hard to argue with the fine choice here, Cirrus White paint
accented by a painted red racing stripe that begins on the nose
piece, rides the roof and spills down to the decklid, highlighting
the proportions and unusual, and unmistakable shape, of the Europa.
Flying buttresses were reduced after '72 but still present here,
originally the catalyst for the car's nickname, the "bread van".
Between these pillars is the notably narrow rear window looking
back on an integrated rear rise which enhances the long flat rear
section of the car. The Lotus is remarkably low and the shoulder
line, of course, is even lower which results in shallow doors, a
steeply raked windshield, and a nose that descends between rounded
fenders that contour around the headlights in front. In back, the
modest gray bumper is actually above the tail lights which are
simple, split wide units on a narrow valance. 13-inch wheels,
argent gray like the bumpers, mirrors, vents, and door handles,
carry 70 series tires. Imperfections include a chip in the gray
bumper paint, cracking paint and filler in the corner of a door,
and a scuff on a wheel opening arch.
Interior
The door panels are finished nicely in black vinyl with red
stitching and a gray gap that does not provide a storage pocket,
but allows for some elbow room in the cozy cabin. The same colors
are used on the sport bucket seats, low to the floor and configured
as gray inserts surrounded by black vinyl cushions and both are in
very good shape. The red stitched 3 spoke steering wheel gives way
to basic gauges behind a gray painted panel, breaking up the black
faced dial with a visible red line on the tach. Red stitched black
vinyl also covers the center console, loose in some place, but
clean and intact and housing a wood knobbed shifter sporting the
Lotus logo and power window switches, just in front of an
AM/FM/Cassette radio. Low pile gray carpet is in good general
condition and lines the narrow footwells. We note some peeling of
the black vinyl on the A-pillar, but the gray headliner is in
excellent condition. There is a small plastic lined storage area in
the back which we find tidy and clean.
Drivetrain
Mid mounted is a 1588cc DOHC inline 4 cylinder, and the more
powerful Big Valve engine as it is known, puts out 113 horsepower.
It is fueled by a pair of Zenith Stromberg CD2SE carburetors and
backed by a 5-speed manual transaxle with 3.77 rear gears. The
engine compartment is clean and as engines go, this is a good
looking unit with ribbed cam covers and side mounted twin carbs,
along with heat wrapped headers. When it was overhauled, it
received a new crankshaft, flywheel, bearings, and gaskets. Brakes
here are configured as front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Clean underneath with belly pans that take up some real estate,
minimal surface rust, and no apparent leaks. The single exhaust
flows to a stock style muffler, then exits via a steel pipe through
a contoured cove in the valance. Independent coil over suspension
is supplied front and rear.
Drive-Ability
They say Miatas are like driving go karts, but getting into this
car is the closest thing we've experienced since the Rupp Dart we
drove as kids. Once in, there's room to move around and shift the
car which eagerly starts and rolls onto the test loop. Acceleration
is quite good and enhanced by the low, low center of gravity and
proximity to the ground, like a real race car! The turn signals are
not working, nor is the radio and finally, the heater blower is non
functional. All other items on board that do a job are working!
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Europas are rare and desirable and later models such as this '74
are even more coveted than the early ones as improvements were made
over the years and the cars were afforded with more power. This is
a very fine example and will save you months of headaches in
working to restore one. Here, the sorting out has been done for you
and you and enjoy this legendary sports car tomorrow! But only if
you call the mall today.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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