Ash tray wanted for twin cam Europa

[jbcollier]

Dim memory here but I thought it came from the rear seat area of a Ford Zephyr.

[3929R]

I had the same dim memory.
Perhaps our memories are not so dim. Message #124403 in the KnowledgeBase:


From: Steve Jarvis <mailto:Steve.jarvis%40blueyonder.co.uk>
To: mailto:lotuseuropa%40yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, 23 July 2013, 10:40
Subject: [lotuseuropa] Re: ashtray??/or not???

John, After peering into the rear windows of many cars at various car shows (and
getting some strange looks), I can confirm the ashtray is from the back of the
front bench seat on some fifties Fords. I am pretty certain that it’s the Mk1
Zephyr Zodiac. I’m at another show this weekend with my Morris Cowley, so will
be in the midst of the fifties saloons and will continue the research....
possibly with photographic proof! Steve 232PR Else.

[Certified Lotus]

I did an exhaustive internet search. I think it's a mirage......

Your welcome to prove me wrong ;-)

[4129R]

maybe try Hillman's as the early Europa stub axles came from the Minx.  Hint hint........

Hillman Imp for the stub axles. Rear engine 875cc, obviously RWD, like a VW Beetle.

Hillman Imp rear engine cover hinges too.

[E Paul]

if anyone has the metal bits, it would be pretty easy to 3D print the plastic. I would be happy to create a CAD model from my ashtray if someone needs it.
Paul

[Runningwild]

Is this the metal part of the ash try?

[EuropaTC]

That looks like the bit which is fixed to the central console and which the plastic part clips on to. There's also a chromed metal lid for the top, that's probably the toughest part to replicate.

Brian

ps - I also have the Zephyr/Zodiac on my parts-bin list....

[Sherman Kaplan]

I did a little search on ebay UK and found a Ford Zephyr  6 Mk2.  There is a picture of the back seat with the ashtray mounted on the back of the front seat.  It looks like it might be the same ashtray.  Unfortunately it looks like the Ford  part is as scarce as the Lotus part.

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Zephyr-6-MK2-36-000-genuine-miles-from-new-Superb/291949638480?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38661%26meid%3D92bf51f162454971b09ea2d9fa1f8ca7%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D291949638480

Regards,
Sherman

[jbcollier]

I downloaded the photo and posted to my photo host:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-4Pj3CS5/A

[Certified Lotus]

Sherman, great research! At least we know it might be a Ford part.  Now all we need is a Ford part number 

[4129R]

http://www.britbits.com/html/sales/1958Zephyr/1958Zephyr.html

It seems to pre-date the Europa by some time.

Some Fords had front bench seats rather than separate driver and passenger seats. The ash trays would only be fitted to those with bench seats where there is a middle to put it.

But not in these lovely 1962 Fords complete with their new prices.

http://www.classiccarcatalogue.com/FORD%20GB%201962.html

[BDA]

 $4000 seems like a lot for the whole car. Maybe they would be willing to part out the car so Certified could get the ashtray.

[Certified Lotus]

Spent the morning searching the Internet for Zephyr clubs and part suppliers. Sent out a couple of emails looking for an ashtray in the U.K. And Australia. Already got responses. Nothing available.

[BDA]

I wish you luck but I can't say I'm surprised. Ashtrays have been rare for many years and I would have thought that more than one Europa owner has gone through the same process you've been going through. You may yet find one if you're lucky but finding the metal pieces and having the plastic part printed is probably your best bet and even that might be a long shot (if someone had a busted ashtray, he probably threw it away).

All I can say is Good Luck! I really hope you find one!

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks BDA. I have time and patience. Something will show up, sometime, somewhere ;-)