Highlights

Comprehensively restored in 2011, with engine rebuild in 2012
Finished in red, white and gold ‘Gold Leaf Team Lotus’ colours
Interior renewed with new dashboard and cream leather
Lotus ‘Big Valve’ twin-cam engine with electronic ignition control

The Appeal

The Lotus Europa was one of the first mid-engined cars to be affordable for those who were not super-wealthy, and its combination of spritely performance, ahead-of-its-time styling and exceptional roadholding continues to win fans. This fine example was fully restored on a new chassis in 2011, received a rebuild of its twin-cam engine one year later and was further upgraded with a five-speed gearbox in 2023.

Outside, its striking ‘Team Lotus’ colours of red, white and gold are completed with ‘Golf Leaf Team Lotus’ decals. Its interior was renewed during the restoration, and features cream leather, new seats and a new dashboard and instruments.

The seller has owned the car since 2019, during which time the car has covered only 500 miles and has been stored in a garage. They describe the car as reliable, with only minor marks, inside and out, commensurate with age.

This is an opportunity to acquire an attention-grabbing and fun-to-drive classic.

Key Information

Mileage: 43,000 miles (estimated) / 1,800 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,558cc 126hp 4-cylinder petrol, 5-speed manual
Paperwork: V5C, documentation and photographs of rebuild

The Detail

Wooden steering wheel and gear lever with Lotus roundels
1,558cc ‘big valve’ engine with twin 40mm Dell’Orto carburettors
Five-speed gearbox fitted in 2023
Has only covered 500 miles in last seven years
Stored in garage since purchase in 2019
Telescopic bonnet struts “need attention”
Occasional blisters and rough spots typical of a fibreglass body of its age
“Close inspection would show some dirt and blemishes in the interior”
MOT exempt
Vendor says the car spent 5-6 year on the Channel Islands, as evidenced by its low mileage
Vendor noted an 'initial driving challenge of the five speed gearbox due to its (design based) lack of an effective synchromesh for reverse gear'

Restored by Lotus specialist Simon Robinson in 2011, including:

New galvanised chassis
New suspension and brakes
Stainless steel bulkhead
Stainless steel fuel tanks
Interior retrimmed in cream leather and fitted with new seats and red carpets
New dashboard, instruments (including digital odometer) and wiring loom

Engine rebuilt by Graham Wood at Specialist Sports Cars in 2012, adding:

Electronic ignition system
Stainless steel exhaust system

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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