1974 Twin Cam Barn Find 4001R

[Pangle]

Hello everyone... I am hoping that one or some of you would be able to advise me on what exactly I have here.  we have a client (real estate) who had to sell her husbands cars after he passed.  I have purchased two barn find 968 Porsches from her which I know more about.  She also has a 1974 Lotus europa with VIN 73084001R   S30810 engine. 

I have attempted to VIN decode it but am not able to confirm its production number.  She (seller) seems to think it is number 1 for the year 1974.  Looks like it has a build date of Aug 73 but I do not know what the 4 represents.  If anyone has any information as far as the VIN and also if it is indeed worth anything?

[surfguitar58]

Looks relatively complete and restorable. Key questions:

How badly is the frame rusted?
Does the engine turn over?
4 or 5 speed (Trans will have a tag that says 352 or 365. 4 and 5 sp respectively)
How many miles on the car (bald rear tire suggests lots)
Are you prepared and equipped for a long, expensive restoration process with great personal satisfaction but little hope of turning a profit?

Tom

[Pangle]

Surf! thanks for getting back to me!  44k indicated.. I have not been able to get it out of the barn yet to see the rust situation.  Also have not checked out the engine in full yet.  5 speed and has been sitting for 30 years.

I have no plans of restoring or keeping it myself.  Once I find out what im really dealing with I plan to put it on BAT. 

Based on the Vin 4001R is it #1? or what does the 4 indicate?

[surfguitar58]

The "4" is just the next number after "3". We have one member (Serge) with serial number 0001. Mine is 4043R. The 4001 is just the next car in line after car 4000. Cool number thought.
t

[BDA]

You might email Andy Graham, the archivist at Lotus. He'll be able to tell you as much as anyone about the car. His email address is agraham@lotuscars.com. He's very responsive and a great guy.

I think surf is right about the '4', but I think somewhere in the number is a code for color. Surely Andy will be able to fill you in on that too.

The front wheels are aftermarket but the rear wheels are Lotus wheels. Having the original front wheels would be a plus.

I'll be watching for it on BAT.

[jbcollier]

You are going to have to dig it out, clean it up and go over it mechanically to find out what you have.  Search the garage carefully for parts (such as the correct front wheel).

[Pangle]

Ok I drug her from her grave where she had been for 30+ years.   Took me most of the day to do it right and get her on the trailer and back to my house.  Once there I gave her a quick bath and snapped some photos.  Looks like the engine is free and still had decent oil in it. It is a 4 speed with overdrive so 5.  Everything thing looks to be there and I was able to find All of the Lotus wheels (5) in total. 

[LotusJoe]

My car is 73083927R, so only a bit earlier than your's. Both built in August of '73...Mine was also Regency Red.

[jbcollier]

The oil is not "decent" after that long in storage.  DO NOT TURN IT OVER ON THE STARTER until you change the oil and filter.

[Pangle]

Oh no Im def not going to turn it over period... Smells like there is still fuel in the tank so the tank, lines, pump etc will need to be changed/cleaned.  Only thing I meant by decent was it was clean and not burnt or watered down...  I will leave all that for the new owner...

[Pangle]

OK everyone,  the car is going to be for sale.  I have no idea on the value but if anyone wants to come take a look I am located in northern VA and will happily show the car.  Please feel free to call also.

Steve 703-470-8400

[Pangle]

Well... In crazy news.  I put the car on CL for 7k and a guy from cali has committed to buy it and ship it west.  Literally less than an hour.  Thanks for all the help everyone!