Europa S1A 46/0320

[46/0320]

Hello together,

Maybe it was not the most reasonable decision I made the last couple of years, but at least I am happy with it  .
I bought a 1967 S1A (46/0320) as a project from a French enthusiast. The car soon joins my Elise S1 here in Germany.

I have always dreamed about owning a Europa, especially as an S1 or S1A and now one is mine... in need of a full restoration.

As I have posted here before it's not the condition I was originally looking for, but as a trained car mechanic and close to finishing another project, I'm happy to have the car now.
I plan to start the restoration maybe next year.

Currently I am gathering all the information I can get for this particular car and in fact I was able to track its history down approximately to the late 70s and I am hoping to get more information out of the COP I have already ordered.

As soon as I have took it to Germany I will be starting to source the parts needed.
Hope this forum will provide me some help where needed regarding the whole process.
I will keep you updated!

Regards
Raphael

[jbcollier]

Congratulations!

Love my, albeit much modified, S1b.  Any idea of the condition of the chassis?

[46/0320]

Thank you.

Of course, I have taken a look underneath the car.
At a first glance, I haven't found any holes or heavily corroded spots, but I believe it will become a frame-off restoration.
I am aware of the difficulties it might bring (especially the bonded chassis), but I look forward to seeing the progress.

[BDA]

Looking forward to pictures and updates on your progress!

There are a few of us here who have been where you are now and I’m sure you will be able to get just about any question you’ll have answered here.

Another potential source of information for you is the video series on his restoration of his S1 by our own Serge Sleurs (https://www.youtube.com/user/sleursmotorsport/videos). Serge hasn’t posted videos recently because he has been busy getting married, having a daughter, and starting a business (whew!) but when time permits, I imagine he’ll start them up again.

Best of luck with your journey!

[Rainer]

Congratulations

I am excited to see pictures.
If the chassis shows no obvious rust, it is at least a lot better than mine was 

Regards
Rainer

[lotusfanatic]

Congratulations Raphael! 

I'm looking forward to seeing some photographs of you collecting the S1A, the journey to Germany and the car's arrival!

I also have a 1967 S1A which requires total restoration...

Mark 

[46/0320]

Thank you Rainer and Marc,

Actually I have found a post from you, Marc, in which you can find an ad for it out of September 2019 with some description of the condition. I think the condition hasn't changed much since then.

http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=3320.msg34278#msg34278
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1160458

However, the final price was far below the asking price at the time. Pretty much in line with the price Nero has mentioned in reply #5 and with some spare parts like new Lancia tail lights and a rear replacement panel.
Unfortunately there seems no way to see the files.

Given the statement

...the chassis and suspension presents in very good general condition with just some surface rust around the front cross member...

I am looking forward to take a look at it more closely on the lift. Expect the worst and hope the best.

Regards
Raphael

P.S. The picture shows its current status. The missing pieces (windshield and rear window, interior, etc) are with the car. What I already know is that I need the correct doors for it. The original side windows are there though.

[Serge]

Not sure if you are aware, but the person you bought the car from Philippe Adams, is an Ex-F1 driver!

Very nice car you bought! It will need quite a bit of work, but good when finished! I highly recommend taking the chassis out.

You might be able to get some help from my video's. http://www.youtube.com/sleursmotorsport


Kind regards,

Serge (Based in Belgium)

[46/0320]

Yes, I'm aware of that, Serge. He even drove for Team Lotus in their last year in 1994. He also has a very nice early S2 in BRG with yellow stripes.
Thanks for linking your videos here, I will definitely use them to help with the restoration.

Regards
Raphael

[46/0320]

Yesterday I finally got the car to Germany!
I am totally happy with it, but I guess it will be a big amount of work for me.

It's now in Essen, Germany, and will be stored there until I finish my Master's degree (part-time) next spring. I'm looking forward to taking all these little steps along the way of its restoration.

Wish me luck!

In the meantime, I'll buy some parts I'll need, and I'll post some questions and WTBs in this community, I think.

Regards
Raphael

[TurboFource]

Great! Now the fun begins

[BDA]

Congratulations on getting your baby!!   

Good luck on your masters and keep us up to date on your progress when you get started!

[lotusfanatic]

 

Yesterday I finally got the car to Germany!
I am totally happy with it, but I guess it will be a big amount of work for me.

It's now in Essen, Germany, and will be stored there until I finish my Master's degree (part-time) next spring. I'm looking forward to taking all these little steps along the way of its restoration.

Wish me luck!

In the meantime, I'll buy some parts I'll need, and I'll post some questions and WTBs in this community, I think.

Regards
Raphael

[Bainford]

Congratulations! 

[Sandyman]

Yes Master. Education should be first on your "to do" list. She looks like a great restoration project. If you can find the time, I know we all would love more pictures. If you resize to thumbnail size you can post more pictures.
Sandy