Description
An exceptional and rare opportunity to acquire an early production Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special, chassis number 1166Q – making it the 166th of only 900 Special built for the export market. Manufactured in 1973, this car has undergone a monumental, no-expense-spared 2, 000-hour professional restoration, bringing it to a standard that likely exceeds how it left the Hethel factory.
Mechanical Perfection & Engine Build
At the heart of this Europa is the iconic 1558cc Twin Cam "Big Valve" engine, which has been meticulously built to a high specification. The engine has been completely blueprinted and balanced for ultimate reliability and smoothness. To unleash the full potential of the Big Valve head, it features subtle, professional porting, allowing the engine to breathe perfectly while retaining its classic drivability and sharp throttle response. Power is delivered through the desirable and correct 5-speed manual gearbox, offering fantastic touring capabilities and precise shifts.
Body & Interior
The fiberglass bodywork has been professionally prepared and finished to an incredibly high standard, with excellent panel gaps and a deep, flawless paint finish in Colorado Orange. Underneath, the chassis and suspension components have been completely restored, detailed, and set up for the quintessential Lotus handling. Inside, the cabin has been beautifully retrimmed in oatmeal, respecting the original layout while utilizing high-quality materials from the original Lotus supplier.
History & Provenance
Being an early "Q" suffix car, this model is a genuine European-spec car factory-fitted with Dellorto carburetors, avoiding the restrictive emissions equipment found on contemporary US-market models.
Condition & Ready to Enjoy
With zero miles of significance since the completion of the 2, 000-hour restoration, this Lotus is in concours condition. It is ready to be shown at international events, driven on spirited weekend blasts, or added to a serious classic car collection, or museum.
Worldwide transport can be arranged at the buyer’s expense. Introduced in September 1972, the "Special" represents the absolute pinnacle of the Lotus Europa development. Designed by Colin Chapman to embody his philosophy of "Performance through lightweight", the Special combined the upgraded 126 bhp "Big Valve" Twin Cam engine with the highly desirable 5-speed transmission. This configuration transformed the Europa into a true giant-killer, offering near-supercar handling and a 0-60 mph time of just 6. 6 seconds—astonishing for its era.
