807 Hemi Question

[jbcollier]

I downloaded the photo but it is too low-res to see any detail.  The "edge" of the stock Y section is made by folding.  It adds significant strength and is simply and quickly done.  The edge around the cut-out section couldn't be folded at the same time and would require cutting, triming, forming and welding.  Unlikely to happen on a Lotus production line when adding a simple reinforcement beside the cut-out section would be quicker, cheaper and actually stronger.  Someone went to a great deal of trouble to make it look factory so it's likely a PO with no cost associated to the time spent.

[kerrywittig]

I wrote Andy  G. sent him pix.......we'll see what he says............

All I can say then, is that this was done between 1970-1973....1973 was the last year that PO was alive......and if you saw the upgrades/mods (if you could call them that) they were ALL junk, amatuer garbage...........this was not within this persons abilities.....Foose....yes, Kindig....probably.....Coddington....yeah. 1973 backyard garage.....not. Best to my ability is a judgement that this is factory........but.....................info was sent to Andy G.

Send me your direct email.....I'll send you an HD pix........
Me

[RoddyMac]

I have to agree with John, it's not factory.  From your photo's it looks like the new flange is of thicker gauge steel.  I seriously doubt that anyone at Lotus would use thicker material for a flange like that.  The other thing is, if Lotus had let some crossflow motored cars out the back door, a) it would be common knowledge by now, and b) Jean Redele would have been furious with Renault and Lotus.   I don't doubt that the modification was done in period, but it wouldn't have left Hethel with the mod.

Rod

[kerrywittig]

Andy G respondeed this morning to my question....

 "Andy ever seen this or have an explanation? Clearancing/boxing of frame for exhaust headers......looks very factory!!  See attached and noted photos please..........Kerry"

Dear Kerry,

I do not have enough hands on experience to answer that.

Andy Graham

Aftersales Administrator and Archivist
LOTUS AFTERSALES, Units 6 & 7 John Hyrne Way, Longwater Business Park, Costessey, Norwich, Norfolk NR5 0AF England.
T: +44/0 1603 732178 | E: agraham@lotuscars.com

So........Even "HE" can't say with any certainty whether that it was factory or not....Once I get this completely disassembled, and can get an unimpeded look at it, at all angles & in good light, hopefully it will become apparent as to when in it's formative years, "Who done it?"

Still puzzled Me
 

 

[jbcollier]

There is an envelope icon under my signature GIF.  Click it and you should get my email address.  I can then post the photo to my hosting site for all to see.

[kerrywittig]

There is an envelope icon under my signature GIF.  Click it and you should get my email address.  I can then post the photo to my hosting site for all to see.

No email addy was found...

Mine is     16Ltoy@msn.com     if you want to email me direct

[jbcollier]

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

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-c9hVc2X/A

Still not high-res enough but better.

Still looks to be not factory to me.

[Lotus 47]

So does the number on the ID plate and on the engine match?

[kerrywittig]

Well now with the engine and everything else removed from the frame................

It is most definetly an "aftermarket" swap.....just like JB said.

Engine and plate are not a match.....

So......It is what it is....

Thanks to all for putting up with my "determined" thoughts...

Me

[Mike Surber]

I just found this thread. I know it's over a year old but interesting to read. My thoughts were 1: anything they might do at the factory to modify the chassis. A competent steel shop could do just as well & perhaps better. In the factory they assemble cars not fabricate IE: Cut & weld a flange piece. 2: They certainly wouldn't change the tooling to form the chassis "leg" for the sake of a few special order cars. Leading back to 1. It quite obviously was done to a high order of attention true enough. Not the usual hack & burn that is so often seen on many different cars not just Europas. If it works it works & if it looks ok from across the street it's fine LOL That's the usual mentality particularly if it can't be seen from the outside.

[MRN I J]

Does any one have a copy of the brochure or more details for the Swiss importers Europa Black Shadow 807 which sounds more the Gp4 cars used at the Ollon-Villars hillclimb in 1971 http://www.euromontagna.com/results...._race=34&lng=1

[jbcollier]

Bad link.

This car?

[MRN I J]

No JB, the fuel injected one, 5 speed box, body alterations, wider wheels, etc
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1971/1433150/lotus_europa_black_shadow_807.html

[jbcollier]

This is all I have on those:

[jbcollier]