Stablemate for my Europa

[Exlimey]

I think I am probably crazy,I have just driven from VT to Denver CO to purchase a 62 Elite. It has been seriously altered at great expense by the DPO. It has a LS2 and six speed box and E type diff. !!! I will sell all this next year,a pity as it has been well done but the shell is suffering. I have already located a Climax engine and correct gearbox ,but I look forward to a couple of years of fibreglass work. I did drop my Europa bumpers at the platers on my way home. Wish me luck,I’m gonna need it.

[4129R]

Good luck.

Cars in original spec are worth big money.

[BDA]

She's a beauty! I think you're doing the right thing. From what I understand, the fiberglass unit body was somewhat marginal for the original engine anyway and as 4129R says, it will be worth a lot more in its original form.

I hope you'll let us know how you're doing with it and post some pictures of what you do. It should be a great project!

[Chuck Nukem]

You magnificent bastard!!! congrats!!!

[SilverBeast]

Definitely not crazy. I think the original Elite is one of the best  looking cars ever made. Very jealous.

[jbcollier]

I have worked on and driven a couple.  Love 'em.  My first choice of Lotus, bar none.  Just couldn't afford the entry fee.  Enjoy!

[Arizona]

My first choice of Lotus, bar none.  Just couldn't afford the entry fee.  Enjoy!

Yeah, me too!

[Chuck Nukem]

Please post tons of pics!!

[TurboFource]

Nice! Post before and after pics as you go!

[TheKid#9]

Fantastic!!

[Bodzer]

Amazing! Good luck with the build.  If you haven’t already I’d suggest getting in contact with Mike Ostrov in the Bay Area, CA.  He’s a true gent and knows ALOT about Elites.

[Exlimey]

Yes Bodzer,it was Mike who put me in contact with the seller,all his fault.Luckily it was about the price of a decent Europa,but there’s a long job ahead of me getting it back to mostly original. Anybody building a restomod ? I have everything they need including Painless loom,ac, fuel cell etc

[Chuck Nukem]

I heard it had trouble keeping the rear wheels attached to the body with the climax motor! That is a very creative way of committing suicide!! You have to tell us the story! What labors lie ahead for you?? Also you have a PM because I have a 66 Chevy truck and I have been contemplating such a swap...

[61Elite]

That is so wrong on so many levels.  All that power with those skinny tires, and all that weight up front. Handling had to be just terrifying.  I am assuming that there had to be some major surgery to the chassis to squeeze that engine in, and in locating the Jaguar diff.  all of which would compromise the structural integrity of the monocoque.  Mike will certainly be able to advise how to put that back right. 

I have a S1 Elite, that I restored a couple years ago.  When they are set up properly, they are just fantastic cars to drive and are just beautiful cars.  You do have a lot of work ahead, and lots of driveline parts to find.  It will be worth the effort.  Good luck, and if you need any advice ( for what it is worth)  you may contact me.

[RoddyMac]

I like restomods, but what on earth was the DPO thinking with this one?  Even with the FPF the handling was a little suspect, I couldn't imagine what an LS would do.

Congrats on the purchase, I'm envious.  Dear old dad and I passed on a restoration project here in town about 15 years ago, I wish we hadn't.