Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Members Cars => Topic started by: lotusfanatic on Monday,January 23, 2017, 06:21:46 AM
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Hello everyone,
I have finally collected a Europa from the shipping company which has returned the car to the UK for the first time since it was built in 1967!
The car was bought from Tom in Colorado US, 460384 is in need of a total strip and rebuild and I now need to find a space for it, assess the car and decide which way to go.
Assuming that it is a viable project, I will need to decide if I follow either:
a) a restoration to its original factory specification (however, I am not sure if the performance would be enough?)
b) rebuild with a more modern engine, running gear & parts (very tempting, if only for the performance, reliability and parts availability - but, obviously, no longer "original")
c) create a Type 47 replica (again, very tempting but very expensive for parts, especially a Lotus twin cam engine)
pics to follow....
Mark
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a few photos of 460384...
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a few photos of 460384...
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a few photos of 460384...
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Ouch, tough choices there. I think the TC engine might end up being one the cheaper things needing doing on a 47 clone. There's also a Hewland to procure and a complete redesign of the rear suspension!
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There's also a Hewland to procure and a complete redesign of the rear suspension!
Not to mention wheels, hubs, chassis......
Looking at the current prices for a type 46, I would be inclined to restore it to stock or close to stock (bolt on modifications or easily corrected modifications). Though, if it were an incomplete/wreck of a car, then building a 47 clone or swapping in a newer motor wouldn't be that bad of an idea. But, in the end, it's all up to you and what you choose to do with it.
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http://www.kelsport.net/parts/product_details.asp?PartID=3886&categoryID=37&PartsectionID=50 (http://www.kelsport.net/parts/product_details.asp?PartID=3886&categoryID=37&PartsectionID=50)
There is a 47 chassis reproduction at $3860 it would be only the beginning...still need all the suspension parts, hubs, knock offs, etc like roddy and others mentioned.
http://www.kelsport.net/parts/products.asp?CategoryID=37&PartsectionID=36 (http://www.kelsport.net/parts/products.asp?CategoryID=37&PartsectionID=36)
Wheels would be another $4k just about. Hewland would be $6k Race spec twin cam $15k? The 200hp twin cams do not last long... I love the 47 as much as the next europa nut but an accurate recreation would be very cost prohibitive for someone like me.
My 46 was a total wreck. Frame is trash, body is butchered. I could bring it back to original spec but like you I am not sure that the renault performance is going to be enough.... Not to mention that the S1 has very robust fiberglass which was reportedly thinned considerably for the 47. The later TCS feels like it is made of polyester soaked tissues in comparison.
I am going to save all my S1 pieces of course...If the values do like the elite (there are over 1000 of those....) then conceivably I could restore it to stock condition but at this point my car will never be truly "original" without its frame.
I say have fun with it for now. I am going to make mine a missile....one day (after I finish a house, and a truck, and a TCS, etc). If you want to bring it back to original spec later on you can do that. Serge is proof that every part of that car can be reproduced with a talent such as his!
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Hello all,
thanks for the replies, if money was no object, then a 47 copy/replica would be most people's first choice!
However, for everyday use & reliability, I believe that it'll be a series of sensible relatively modern modifications which don't lose the S1's originality totally.
(in any case, all original parts removed would be kept for future use/reference - no matter which route I eventually decide to take)
best regards,
Mark
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Get an ice pick, reach into the large hole in the front of the chassis and start poking around, especially down. There's a good chance your are going to need to pull the chassis for repair or replacement. At least you are in Jolly-Old as both Banks and Spyder can fit a new "T" section.
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Nice to know there is another Europa in the UK. More pictures (bigger?) would be great.
Steve
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Hello Steve,
I have some better pictures that were sent by Tom, the PO
Mark
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another pic...
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I think the term is "as rough as a badger's arse" but it's largely complete
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a lot to do!
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A largely complete S1A is a great start!
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Make those warts go away!!
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Brave man... Good luck...
Steve
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Good luck with it!!
From a use perspective I don't think there is anything wrong with putting in a more modern engine and gearbox. so a 47 look, with modern internals could be the way to go. Ultimately it's what you want to do with it. If you want to use it, build it to what you want to drive.
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If it were my car....I own 460550, I would return it close to original spec but change
out whatever you may for safety or performance reasons. The original Renault
has a lot going for it and you'll have easier access to Renault parts than we
have in the US. I rebuilt the 697 engine in 0550 since it had sat derelict for 20+ years
in a barn. I haven't regretted it. Chapman knew what he was getting into when
he started out with Renault and a number of compromises had to be made to evolve
it into the TC/TCS, which is a nice car but not all that similar to the Series 1's.
I don't think you need to go Type 47, but ultimately that's your call. A series 1,
1 of about 600 cars is rare enough. Enjoy it!
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Whatever I chose to do, I won't be modifying the bodywork as it's such a pure shape.
As long as it retains those simple lines I'll be happy!
(but even happier if it goes as well as a twin-cam engined car!)
Mark
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Mark,
You will need to do a body off restoration on this car. I think restore it back to original will be the best plan. I hope you did not buy the S1 to go fast. It is a cool car to drive and look at. In 10 years, a nice S1 will be hard to find. I will follow you on this forum. Tom/Colorado.
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Hi Tom,
rest assured, although I may opt to improve the performance, I will chose options that do not detract from the looks externally and are reversible.
I will be retaining the pure looks of the original car, which is why I searched for an S1 (I won't add extended wheel arches / cooling vents / or paint it in a later model colour etc)
As an example, I've managed to source a pair of very rare original removable windows as I intend to keep it as it left the factory :)
However, removing the chassis will be the first task...
regards,
Mark
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Hi Mark, Are you making process on 460384? Tom
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Hi Mark, Are you making process on 460384? Tom
Hi Tom,
no progress made yet as I’m still finishing off the garage/workshop in which it will live - but I have recently brought it closer to home as it was stored a fair distance from me.
I’ve collected a front bumper (still need a rear one and an engine cover)
How are you keeping Tom?
Mark
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Mark, Any update on your S1? Let us know if you are making progress on the car. Tom
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Hello Tom,
I have no updates on the car as such, however the roof is being put on my garage this week, so it's a step closer...
I've also contacted a Renault engine specialist who will take the R16 and rebuild it.
This may be the time to look at fabricating something to support the rear suspension whilst the engine and gearbox is out...
Two purchases of note are a Hermes inlet with a Weber carburettor and more recently I found an original Hermes Aerofoil too.
(it had never been fitted and was still in its original box with the fitting instructions)
Until the garage is complete I will continue collecting the many rebuild parts that are needed.
Mark
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Mark,
If you are not going to use the one-piece side windows, please let me know. I will buy it from you.
Tom
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Tom,
no problem, I will let you know once I find some original S1A windows.
I’m intending to find and fit the pop-out windows which would have been originally fitted.
Mark