The Lotus Europa is an interesting sports car. It's probably about as light a car as can be and still be driven in any weather (almost). Because it is so light, it doesn't need a lot of power to get acceptable acceleration (almost). It also handles like a real race car (almost). Finally, it looks like a real performance car (almost). The almost part is the problem with this car. With a little work here and there, this car could be much better. Better/bigger tires and wheels, improved brakes, more power, lowered suspension, aerodynamic changes - the "enhancement" list was starting to seem endless. Sometimes I think spreadsheet software was created to keep track of Europa projects.
If you already have a Lotus Europa, you probably know what I mean. If not, perhaps these few humble pages as well as the links to many other fine sites will give you an idea about what these cars are all about.
My introduction to the Europa began in 1970. I was in the U.S.A.F. and stationed in north western Germany. A fellow airman bought a yellow 1970 Europa and without knowing it, planted a bug in my brain. I have always been interested in cars but focused mostly on hot American V8 iron (like Chevy, Ford and Mopar[hemi]). I had already done a fair amount of drag racing in Southern California and knew where all the speed shops were. Oh, I knew what sports cars were. A high school buddy had an MG-TD and later graduated to a Porsche Speedster. He wore a beret and did rallys and all of that other sports car stuff. Meanwhile, I was burning rubber and loosing more than I was winning (but having fun).
At the point in time where my friend's yellow Europa came into my life, I was planning on what car to buy upon my discharge from service. My mind was on a Dodge Charger with a 440 (7.1 l) and a 4 speed. I had accumulated a stack of info on how to build it into a 500 HP monster. Then came a ride in this 82 HP go cart. To be honest, my first impression of the Europa was not good. I thought it rather odd looking. After a few rides (no, my "buddy" never did let me drive it), I became impressed with its handling and feel. The acceleration, although not on a par with a V8, was not bad. Better still, you could keep your speed up in an inevitable turn instead of sailing off the road into whatever. After a while, the looks weren't all that bad either.
Well, the end result of that year of exposure to the Europa was that I changed my mind about the Dodge. I made arrangements to buy a red Europa from a dealer in England (another story in itself) for a paltry $4,100 (including optional goodies) and have it shipped to Los Angeles upon my eagerly anticipated discharge. I never regretted it.
I enjoyed many experiences in my 1970 Europa. I won't bore you with them here (unless I get enough email - hint). Alas, in 1982 I hydroplaned on a freeway in So. Cal. and did a couple of 360's! I was then struck by a gravel truck. The rear of the Europa was a mess with much of the fiberglass converted to confetti. I stood there on the side of the freeway looking at what was left of my toy thinking, "That's it - that's the end of my Europa dreams." At this point in my life, money was not plentiful so a restoration project, although possible, was not probable. I couldn't, however, bring myself to let go of the remains. By chance I found a guy in Tucson, AZ who used to work at the Lotus factory as a body man. I got him to do the body repair. I think that I just might get her going again. The idea of two Europas in the driveway sounds great.
Well, a while ago I saw a Europa for sale. Financially things were good and I thought "why not give another try"? Well, I did it. I bought a 1974 Europa Twin Cam Special with a 5 speed transmission - and it was red. All "true" sports cars are red, aren't they <grin>? I was going to have some fun. Well, it was several months before I could do more than drive it around the block a few times. The brakes wouldn't work - the shift linkage was so bad I never knew if I'd get reverse, second or fourth gear (and first gear was a real challenge, too).
After what seemed forever, I got the brakes to function. The shifting problems were all identified and fixed (click the Shifter Saga button). So then I should be driving it with great frequency - right? almost Well, it needs new carpeting. The dash should be replaced. The clutch cable runs awful close to the exhaust header. The side view mirrors are not the same. The windshield leaks like crazy. There are electrical issues (what Lotus doesn't have electrical issues?). It really could use a paint job. I bet a lot more power could be developed by that neat twin cam engine. Are you starting to see a pattern here?
I could ramble on but then I'd feel I must offer you some hors d'oeuvres. Instead I'll offer you what I can in the way of information. This site will be rather TC centric because that is what I have. The other Europa models are great also great cars and there is some info on this site that pertains to them. As I get more information that I hope is worthwhile, I'll try to get it on this site. The whole point of this site is to share what information I have with the hope that it will help keep these cars alive. I'll also try to keep the image sizes under control so the dowload times don't get too long. You know... website under construction... yada yada yada.
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Last update: 17 Jul. 2003
