Lotus Europa Twin-Cam, 1971

Lotus Europa

Lotus Europa•‌
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Chassis No.: 1041P

Engine No.: V25136

£24,200 | Sold

Variant: Twin-Cam

Benefitting from an amazing,12-year, ú30,000+ restoration. In 1971, the Europa Twin Cam (Type 74) was introduced with a 105bhp, 1558cc Lotus-Ford 'Twink' Body-off and new chassis. Fastidiously restored over a 12-year period. Bodywork fully stripped and re-painted in amazing Roman Purple. New Beige and Oatmeal interior. Big-bore engine rebuilt and set up by the legendary Richard Winter of Europa Engineering. Now 145bhp. Rebuilt chassis, electrics etc. In fact virtually everything. Over ú30,000 has been spent with specialists. Thousands of hours of work by the previous owner. A real labour of love.

With only 2,000 miles completed since the restoration, this immaculate Twin Cam is sensibly guided and is a cost-effective entry into '70s classic sports cars. Launched at the 1967 Brussels Show, the Lotus Type 46 - the Europa - was the marque's first mid-engined road car, and was powered by a Renault 16 engine mounted in an Elan-type backbone frame. Its specification also included all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and disc brakes on the front wheels (subsequently on the rear, too). Unusual styling provided ample luggage space while rearward visibility through the narrow, full-width back window was surprisingly good.

Having been manufactured exclusively for export for its first two years, the Europa made its UK debut in 1969 in improved S2 form. Renault engined like its S1 predecessor, the S2 reverted to a conventional body/chassis attachment, the S1 'shell having been bonded in place - a move that greatly simplified, and cheapened, accident repairs - while electric windows and adjustable seats were welcome additions to the previously somewhat penny-pinching specification. In the autumn of 1971, the Type 74 Europa Twin Cam was introduced, powered, as its name suggests, by the Ford-based DOHC engine from the Elan.

With 105 bhp on tap, the Twin Cam was good for 117 mph, a figure bettered by the more powerful (126 bhp) 'Big Valve' engined Special model that superseded it after a year. According to the Lotus Europa Twin Cam Register, Chassis No. 74/1041P was built in the Autumn of 1971 and finally invoiced on 28/10/1971. It's listed as having Engine No.25136, a 4-speed 336-56 gearbox and was originally finished in L14 (Colorado Orange). The stunning little Roman Purple car you see today has come a long way since then. It's been subject to a 12-year fastidious restoration and we are fortunate to have the full details of this 'labour of love'.