Lots of pics added....Advice on 74 Europa project purchase

[4129R]

With one owner, low mileage, dry storage and presumably lots of history, I'd be surprised if it's not worth 4k, but every one is different. It's probably worth double that in the UK market.

No since the exchange rate went through the floor.

[69merc]

Just an update.  Talked to owner.  The Europa is packed in a storage unit with stuff stacked all around it.  Setting up a time to help him unpack the storage unit so I can inspect the car.  Also, supposedly the twin cam was ready to be put back together (cylinders deglazed, crankshaft turned, bearings and rings purchased, etc in 1980).  He says all these parts were oiled up before being put away.  So, if it was stored correctly, it still may be in good shape.  It sounds like the engine, transaxle, rear lid, and gas tanks are the only parts taken out of the car.

[TCS4605R]

If you need another set of eyeballs when you look at the car, let me know.

Tom

[kiwiokie]

Good luck with your purchase.  These cars are so much fun to drive - like a roller skate with an engine.

[Certified Lotus]

Take lots of photos of it in storage. The history of the car is as important as the car. Well, at least it makes good conversation with this group..........

[69merc]

Went and saw the car today.  I think it was better than I expected.  The "accident " repair in the driver rear fiberglass was really undetectable inside or outside.  It was a good repair like the owner stated.  It is a puzzle like the pictures show.  The interior was surprisingly in nice shape.  I jacked it up and crawled underneath and inspected the frame.  Obviously had surface rust but solid throughout.  All suspension mounting points good.  The paint is original and shows cracking mainly the rear half of the car.  Most of the chrome is pitted.  The windshield has a crack.  The TC looked surprisingly in good shape and clean (bores,head,etc).  I was expecting a lot of surface rust from sitting for 30 years.  The only parts we couldn't find today were one of the rear half shafts, hub, and part that attaches to the 5spd.  I'm sure there were other little parts that weren't there, but I wasn't sure since I've never had one of these.  I'll attach pics of what I saw.  Let me know what you think and if it is a manageable project.  My thought is to put the puzzle back together and get it back on the road with its patina.

[69merc]

This car is in there!

[69merc]

74 TCS 5spd

[BDA]

Not much to go on... The rear window is in good shape. The firewall is a prime part for upgrade. Some - probably the smart ones, replace it with marine plywood. The chrome is a bit of a problem as it is pretty expensive to rechrome stuff because of the environmental regulations. There are some amazing chrome paints now that actually look like chrome. There is at least one of them available in a rattle can (search chrome paint on youtube). A buddy of mine found a place that made polished stainless steel bumpers. The word I heard was that they should be covered. I'm not sure. I have polished SS B-pillar panels on my MB C230 and they're still shiny after almost ten years. I think the fuel fillers are still available.


Love to see more pictures! Good luck on your project!

[69merc]

More pics

[69merc]

More pics

[69merc]

More pics

[69merc]

More pics

[BDA]

It looks like you have a lot of nice pieces! By that I mean A LOT! You'll have a good a good time restoring it. Keep us informed!

[jbcollier]

Seems to me that there is a lot more disassembled than needs to be for an engine overhaul.