Some interesting points both good and not so much about this car. It’s titled as a 1974 but was built in July of ’73. So was it a late ’73 or a very early ’74? I suspect, as has been the case with many cars, that it was sold in 1974 and therefore is titled as such. I’ve learned the map pocket and dual rear deck gas struts were a late 1974 addition but I thought all 1974’s had the cloth seat inserts. This car originally had the standard vinyl covered seat pad, back and door card inserts as they are included in the left over parts. I agree the tan cloth with the LOTUS script is a nice touch.
I was wondering if there was something wrong with the four speed trans that led to switching to the five speed? jbcollier points out that the extra trans is a five speed and then JPSO86 states that the trans in the car is also a five speed. So I guess if they are both five speeds the one out of the car is broken in some way.
It has, (I assume aftermarket) adjustable rear lower links. But I agree, the power front brake statement seems very odd. This is the second Europa I’ve seen in the last couple of months where the owner has switch to a remote reservoir master. At least this one is in what I’d consider the best location. The other car owner put his in the frunk. Being plastic I‘d be afraid of some item in the frunk bouncing around and punching a hole in it.
I’m always surprised as well as suspicious when an owner/seller (who obviously is wanting top dollar) fails to do his due diligence to provide the most information and best photos. Especially things like the front “T” section of the chassis. Or not providing a letter from Lotus that gives the basic information as to what the car was when it left the factory. It’s not that hard to do!
I found the car on the old Lotus Europa Registry. There it states it was bought off of eBay in 2005 by the 2nd owner in Alberta and it had been in storage for 15 years.
Front tires date code 2013 and rears are 2005. Like I said, some good, some not so much.
I've been trying to tee up a meeting with this one Europa owner so the wife can try it on for size. She's not sure she'll still be able to get in and out of one. He keeps putting me off because he keeps finding new things to fix. I'd have made him an offer by now but I have to wait on the "fitting". So as much as I'm interested in this car I have my eye on another.
