・Boxes filled with original parts included in sale ・Lotus Big Valve twin-cam engine
The Background
Introduced in 1966, the Europa was an ambitious step for Lotus as they embarked on a seldom seen layout for production vehicles of the time. Building a two-seater mid-engine coupe was fast becoming the norm in motorsport but building a car for the road to such specification wasn’t a task to be taken lightly. However, that is exactly what Lotus did, the ideology of simplicity and lightweight were married together on a production car that put the motor behind the two seats and stormed onto the scene. Most of the units sold were taken up by European buyers, however, a North American market was also craving the Europa, and a short Chassis Vin run made its way across the Atlantic to enthusiastic owners from 1969, this 1972 Twin-Cam model was one of those that made the voyage and is now back in the UK.
The media lauded the car for its fine handling characteristics and aerodynamic bodywork. Throughout the production span, customer feedback drove development and refinements with each refresh until 1975 when the last car carrying the Europa nameplate left the Lotus factory until 2006 when a new model brought the name back.
A letter from the last Canadian owner, located in Nova Scotia, tells a story of the vehicle’s life until 2019 before it was exported to the UK. It appears to have either have been originally registered in the province of Ontario or entered from the USA to an owner that on the letter supplied is referred to as the original keeper. It then moved to Nova Scotia, one owner began a rebuild but appears to have passed away before completion. The letter mentions an assessment done of the engine that showed it to be in good order. Bidders should note it was not able to run, due to its partial disassembly, in our time with the car, but the vendor advised that this project would be completed without question if there was more time available.
The vehicle has a Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) and so HMRC is aware the vehicle is in the UK. Winning bidders can decide whether they want to keep the car in the UK and register it once the restoration is complete or move the vehicle to a different country.
As with many imported vehicles, there is little paperwork for its time in North America, however the letter, along with the vehicle registration document from Canada are present. Joining them are a few receipts for some parts purchased several years ago, the most recent of these is a $685 invoice from 2015.
As is evident this vehicle was in the process of being recommissioned for the road when the vendor decided that it is better to let the vehicle go to someone that has the time to complete it. The interior is stripped down but as can be seen in the images, there are boxes of original items all waiting to be refitted to get the vehicle back to its former glory. Note that as this was originally a North American vehicle it is left hand drive configured.
It is believed the vehicle was originally painted Regency Red (a library picture of a similar vehicle was provided) today it is sanded down awaiting paint and so the new owner can mull over the choice of whether to return to the original hue or go for something of their personal taste. Walk around and it appears in remarkably good shape without any signs of damage or awkward fitments. Opening up the boxes of parts included in the sale we were presented with many original items that are ready to be refitted and clear markings were made on boxes and some of the contents so a future owner can organise the parts easily.
The body lines appeared in great shape although the doors were not opened in our time with the car, the shut lines around them all appeared in good order.
Currently, the vehicle is not running although it does roll freely so can be moved into position to load onto a trailer without any great fuss. Looking from underneath the rear of the car you can see the frame along with the suspension and drive shafts were all in excellent visual condition. Several key items including the twin carburettors were in one of the many boxes that will be supplied with the car. There was also a matching fifth wheel.
It isn’t every day that a project with such potential is offered up for sale, especially with so many mechanical aspects already looking as though they have been restored, or replaced. This Europa was clearly treasured in Canada and with the sunny weather approaching it may be the perfect project car for someone with an eye on seeing it return to the road for this (or next) year’s summer show season.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1972 Lotus Europa LHD Project
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
