Lotus Europa S2 Federal Coupe, 1969
Lotus Europa
Lotus Europa•
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Chassis No.: 652241
Auction: Monterey 2019
Auction date: August 17, 2019
Lot No.: S47
$30,800 | Sold
- Exterior: Yellow
- Interior: Black
- Body: Coupe
- Frame-off restoration
- 1 of 865 produced
- Finished in original factory Bahama Yellow paint
- Metal frame disassembled, blasted, epoxy-primed and painted Black
- Renault R16 1565cc engine rebuilt with new carburetor, backed by a 4-speed transmission
- New seats, carpet, door panels, dash and glass
- Upgraded door hinges
- Rechromed bumpers and restored power window regulators
- New alloy wheels, tires, shocks and exhaust system
- Front and rear coilover shocks
A comprehensive frame-off restoration has been performed to a high standard on this rare 1969 Lotus Europa S2 Federal Coupe, one of just 865 produced for export to the North American market. Lotus Founder and Principal Colin Chapman created the Europa, as its name suggests, for the European Common Market, which explains his choice of Renault’s commendable R16 1565cc alloy-block inline-4 engine and companion 4-speed transaxle.
The Europa’s remarkably strong, steel-backbone chassis and all-independent suspension—comprising front wishbones, rear transverse links and radius rods with coilovers all around—echoed that of the Elan, yet departed from that car with its front disc and rear drum brakes. The Europa’s unique unstressed fiberglass body maintained Chapman’s philosophy of “adding lightness” while also giving the car a distinct aerodynamic advantage and a truly sporty appearance that still appeals today.
A surprising benefit of the Europa’s light weight and slippery envelope is excellent fuel economy; “Road & Track” magazine recorded 31 MPG “under hard driving” and suggested even better results under favorable conditions, likely meaning with less aggressive use of the throttle. One of the finest examples known today, this 1969 Lotus Europa S2 Federal Coupe was beautifully refinished in the original Bahama Yellow paint, and both front and rear bumpers were rechromed. The steel-backbone frame was completely disassembled, blasted with a dustless blaster, epoxy primed and painted black. Its Renault R16 inline-4 engine was rebuilt and upgraded with a new carburetor.
The interior was refreshed with new seats, door panels, carpet and dash, and the car features new glass, restored electric window regulators and upgraded stainless-steel door hinges. Originally fitted with 13-inch steel wheels, this Europa S2 now sports 15-inch Minilite-style 8-spoke alloy wheels running Kumho’s outstanding Ecsta 4X performance tires. Additionally, the car features new adjustable coilover shock absorbers and a throaty, new exhaust system. Lotus Europas are a rare commodity, especially ones that present in the splendid condition this example enjoys, making it an excellent choice for the collector seeking the most exclusive.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/381152/1969-lotus-europa-s2-federal-coupe/
