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| Lot number | 24 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | N/S (est. £26,000 - £30,000) |
| Description | Lotus Europa |
| Registration | JUV 802K |
| Year | 1972 |
| Mileage | 3,600 (Indicated) |
| Colour | Red and White |
| Engine size | 1,998 cc |
| Chassis No. | 7411251303P |
| Engine No. | V25623 |
| Documents | V5C |
Launched in 1966, the Lotus Europa was the first mass production, mid-engined road car and was based on a prototype built to compete for a Ford contract to build a Le Mans race car in the early 1960s.
Exemplifying Colin Chapman's design philosophy of "Simplify, then add lightness," it used a minimalist steel backbone chassis while also relying on a low drag fibreglass body for structural strength.
The 4-wheel independent suspension was typical of Chapman's thinking, the rear suspension consisting of two relatively large trailing arms, one lower locating link per side, the axles being used as upper locating links, very similar to Formula racing car designs of that era. The resultant astonishing road holding prompted road testers to describe the Europa as the nearest thing to a race car for the road.
The first Series 1 cars were fitted with a modified Renault 16 1.5-litre engine that produced 82bhp but by 1971 this had given way to a 126bhp Lotus/Ford 'Big Valve' Twin Cam 1,558cc unit that was good for 0–60 in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 125mph. In all, around 9,300 Europas were built between 1966 and 1975.
First registered on 24th March 1972, this Europa is in fact a 1971 car. Originally yellow, the Europa now is resplendent in red over white, the classic Gold Leaf Team Lotus colours with a black interior. The vendor purchased the car in 2003 and has spent the past years in a process of restoration and upgrade. It had a replacement Spyder chassis prior to his ownership and he has added a fuel injected Ford Zetec engine, recently dyno’d at 197hp at 7,000rpm, mated to a Renault Fuego Turbo 5 speed gearbox. The Zetec engine features Newman cams, Jenvey throttle bodies and Emerald engine management system. It was driven from Kent to Norfolk and back for its dyno test with no problems, so it is likely to be driven to the sale.
With newly installed upgraded Hi Spec brakes, cvj driveshafts, Gaz adjustable shock absorbers, a new battery and new Minilite wheels shod with fresh Kleber tyres, the Vendor says it’s a very rewarding drive! Who are we to disagree...
