Lotus Europa Twin Cam, 1971
Lotus Europa
Lotus Europa•
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Chassis No.: 141162P
Engine No.: 25403
Registration: KDA 848K
The 1971 Lotus Europa Twin Cam is a classic icon that epitomises automotive engineering excellence of its time. With a mid-mounted 1.6 litre twin-cam engine, it delivered an impressive blend of power and agility. Its innovative fiberglass monocoque chassis contributed to its lightweight design and exceptional handling. The distinctive, low-profile body showcased a timeless aesthetic, marrying form and function. The Europa Twin Cam's impact reverberates through automotive history, leaving a lasting impression as a driver-focused sports car that pushed boundaries. Even today, its influence can be seen in the principles that underpin modern performance-oriented vehicles.
Owned by the vendor since July 2019, this car has had £14,000 spent on refurbishments and improvements to make an excellent ready-to-drive, useable example, with a high degree of originality. A substantial folder of bills and photographs describe the car’s history up to the present day. In addition to the V5C registration document in the vendor’s name, there is a Lotus Classic Certificate of Vehicle Provenance, issued to David Golding Cars of Dublin, from December 2012 which confirms the VIN and engine number as original, and the car’s delivery to Lotus dealer, Foley Park Motors of Kidderminster in November 1971.
Tax discs from the 90’s show the car spent time in the West Midlands before being exported to Dublin, returning to the UK around 2012. The Lotus certificate states the car’s colour as Carnival Red. Extra options recorded were alloy Lotus wheels and air horns. In the history file there are several MoT test certificates dating back to 2012, showing the mileage figures and a Lotus Europa owner’s handbook from 1971. All work since July 2019 is documented in bills from Lotus specialists, Rapid Mechanical Services (RMS) of Romford, with numerous older bills dating back to 2013.
The car was resprayed to the original colour sometime in the 00’s with photos of that work also contained in the history file. RMS were commissioned by the vendor to complete £14,000 of work which included reconditioning the original gearbox, starter motor, reconditioning the Dellorto carbs and refurbishing the original radiator, installing a new fan, thermos switch, coolant transfer pipes and alloy expansion bottle. Head and sump gaskets were fitted as was a rear main oil seal and water pump.
In addition, the car benefitted from a new coil and HT leads, new adjustable suspension dampers and coil over springs, a modern alternator, new battery, battery isolator, electronic ignition and modern headlights.
We are informed that the car drives really well as a result of this work. It is light and highly sensitive to driver input. The 650kg weight and twin overhead cam Lotus head and refurbed Dellorto carb’s transform the Ford 1558cc engine’s performance, while the new suspension units do the same for the handling. Not quite ‘blistering’ by today’s standard, but surprisingly quick and precise. A unique driving experience. You have to get used to people taking photos/selfies and answering questions!
