The Lotus Europa is surely one of the best examples of Colin Chapman’s genius at work. His mantra was lightness and simplicity and this car is exactly that. A mid-engine setup without the frills of other sports cars of its time, it sets itself apart for all the right reasons.
This model presents in JPS black and gold colours, making for a stunning example. Over the last few decades, it has clearly been wonderfully maintained. This is evident both by looking at the car and by trawling through its extensive history file. New interior upholstery and a fully rebuilt engine are just a few of the highlights of this car. But above all else, it is surely just a fun sportscar to push on country roads.
History and Paperwork
First registered in 1973
9 owners from new
5 owners in its first 10 years
Owned by its 6th owner for 20 years
Purchased by its current owner in 2009
Odometer reads 113,161 miles
Chassis replaced in 1986
Resprayed in JPS colours in 2009
Full engine rebuild in 2023
Classic vehicle registration – MOT and tax exempt
Large, organised history file with the car
Original workshop manual
Old tax discs
Many invoices from previous work
Several photos from the car’s past
V5c included
The Interior
Lovely interior design
Many replaced parts and additions
Focused driving position
Inside this 1973 Lotus Europa is a blend of wood trim, cream leather and black leather details. The whole thing comes together to make for a stylish interior design yet, it pushes one’s focus to the road ahead, as a true sportscar should.
Much of the interior upholstery has been replaced in recent years according to the owner. The seats, door cards, centre console trim and carpets are all new as one can surely tell from their brilliant condition. Indeed, the entire cabin appears to be in very good condition, from the upholstery to smaller details like the door handles and instrument cluster.
Elsewhere, the dashboard is the original example that came with the car from factory yet presents no evident cracks or damage. Whilst the original stereo head unit still features in the car, the owner informs us that it has been uprated to receive FM radio and play music from a phone or MP3 device.
Jump into the driver’s seat and you will feel immersed into the car, forming one entity. The small diameter steering wheel and well-placed gear shift should provide an enthralling driving experience, akin to that of a go-kart. One should not worry about safety aboard this example however as unlike a go-kart, it features modern inertia seat belts
The Exterior
John Player Special livery
Recognisable Europa bodywork looks fantastic
Unlike much else on the road either today or in its time, the Lotus Europa is nothing if not recognisable. Its wedge-like front end blends into an almost pickup- ute-like rear to form a shape that catches the eye. That paired with the model’s John Player Special livery are a force to be reckoned with. One might suggest the car looks fast even when standing still.
Whilst the Europa Special was originally offered in JPS colours to commemorate the brand’s 1972 F1 World Championship, this car was originally sold in green. It was resprayed in the infamous livery in 2009, explaining the paintwork’s excellent condition. Indeed, both the colour and the bodywork itself show very few signs of wear and tear.
Chrome fixtures throughout the car’s exterior shine nicely. Much like the body, the alloy wheels present in a fabulous condition. They are fitted with a matching set of Toyo Proxes CF1 tyres.
Underneath, the flat floor looks clean whilst there are some areas of surface corrosion in places of the chassis one can see. However, they do not look particularly menacing. In fact, none of the previous MOT certificates mention this to be a cause for concern.
The Mechanics
1.6-litre inline-four engine, 126hp
Engine was fully rebuilt this year
Very enjoyable car according to the owner
Much like with Grand Prix cars, Lotus revolutionised the road car industry by creating an accessible mid-engine sports car in the Europa. In fact, behind the cabin sits the four-cylinder 1.6-litre twin cam engine, pumping out a modest 126 horsepower.
This unit was fully rebuilt earlier this year with many parts replaced. Indeed, it features a newly machined cylinder bore, new pistons, bearings, valve seats, a reground crankshaft, new flywheel bolts, a new water pump and timing chain as well as refurbished carburettors. Elsewhere, the electronics were also overhauled with a new wiring loom, battery, electronic ignition distributor, coil, relays and leads whilst the alternator was refurbished.
Finally, the gear linkages were replaced as was the brake servo whilst Avo adjustable coilover front shock absorbers were fitted. One can spot these from both underneath and above the car.
All of this work comes together for a car that is certainly very fun to drive. The current owner mentions just how enjoyable their experience with the car has been and it is sure to entertain its next owner just as much thanks to all this work.
Summary
Presenting in JPS colours, this Lotus Europa Special from 1973 may not be one of the commemorative models from 1972. But it is sure to provide just as many enjoyable moments thanks to several hours of work that has gone into it in recent times. Mechanically, it is surely a spotless example and visually, it certainly grabs one’s attention.
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