Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: BobW on Monday,March 12, 2018, 04:26:45 PM
-
Introducing 54/2885, an export to Canada in March 1970(?) but likely made at the end of 1969. It has the 1470 cc engine, which has never let me down. Mileage is around 80k. It has a lot of original parts, including the engine, gearbox, all of the interior except for the floor carpets, and much of the other equipment. Modifications I can remember are limited to aftermarket wheels, orange Koni front shocks, height-adjustable Spax in the back, and adjustable lateral links. Oh, and the windshield wiper knob.
The car has never been off the road apart from its annual winter layup. Neither has it been through a restoration, though I look each winter for parts that would benefit from replacement and usually find a couple. It was repainted for the second time in 1989 in a close approximation to its original carnival red. 54/2885 is a five-time class winner at the Van Dusen All-British field meet in Vancouver.
It was bought in early 1971 from Sports Cars Unlimited, the Toronto-area dealership then owned by Bill Brack, a noted Canadian racer and I think the holder of the Lotus franchise for Canada. I am the original owner. My wife and I lived in Newfoundland in 1971 and we left the car at SCU until the weather improved enough to drive it home via Massachusetts in the spring. The three of us have been in Victoria, BC since 1985.
The car was autocrossed in the 1970s but nothing similar has happened lately aside from the odd spirited drive. These days I make a point of taking the Europa out once or twice a week from March to November when we’re at home. In this decade it has been to watch the vintage races in Portland and on a couple of Classic Car Adventures’ multi-day tours, but mostly we go out together for fun around town. A Europa is definitely about the journey as much as the destination.
I was a long-time member of the Yahoo board but haven’t been able to get back into my account there for probably several years. I found this site when looking for information about my windscreen, whose rubber seal needs replacing which means I might as well replace the original glass at the same time....
-
Welcome! It is great to have an original owner on the list!
Pilkington Classic, a branch of the original manufacturer, still sells the glass with all the correct markings. They have a US division. Avoid the Chinese knock-offs as they do not fit the early Europas with the rubber windshield seal.
I got my rubber seal from:
http://www.phoenixtrim.co.uk/
Part number IRS 1724 W/S
They also have the matching chrome locking strip as well. I was careful to cut slightly long and then fine trim to suit. Once the everything is in place, then seal with clear windshield sealer around the inside, and black windshield sealer around the outside.
-
:Welcome:
-
:Welcome: Bob!!!
There aren't many original owners out there and you've actually driven your car regularly! That's quite inspiring!
I know I'm speaking for all of us here when I say we'd love to see pictures of your baby!
-
Welcome to the forum Bob. Are you bringing the car to this years ABFM? I'm hoping to have mine there this year provided I can get it finished in the next month and a half.
-
:Welcome: Bob,
Pictures please , original owner! What a nice introduction we here hope to make you feel at home, visit frequently and just say hi.
Dakazman
-
:Welcome: Hi Bob, great group of guys here. Lots of advice and admiration for all Europa owners.
-
:Welcome:
Great story, and welcome to lotuseuropa.org! We'd all love to see some photos of the car, both now and back-in-the-day. I'm a new owner, but the collective knowledge about Europas is deep and everyone is very helpful. Cheers!
Tom
-
:Welcome:
welcome Bob!
good luck with the replacement windscreen and seal, I look forward to seeing some pics of 54/2885!
Mark
-
Welcome to the forum, Bob. It sounds like you and your Europa have had a long history together. Enjoy :beerchug:
-
Welcome Bob :lotus:
-
Welcome Bob
I am very interested in the Windscreen replacement. I have a new to me 1970 model 54 with a badly cracked Windscreen.
Gary
In High River Alberta and
-
Welcome Bob
I am very interested in the Windscreen replacement. I have a new to me 1970 model 54 with a badly cracked Windscreen.
Gary
In High River Alberta and
The board's wisdom on windshield replacement appears to be summarized in Reply #1 above (thanks!). I would add that there's a decent description of the procedure in the workshop manual.
-
Yes I know I have talked to John but sometimes it's nice to follow someone else. :D
Gary
-
I've put just a few pictures on the Members Cars thread.