This 1971 Lotus Europa was purchased by the seller from its reported first owner in 1973, and was subsequently refurbished in the the 1980s with fiberglass repair, an exterior repaint, an overhaul of its 1.6-liter inline-four, a refresh of the interior, updates to the suspension and electrical systems, and more as described below. Features include a four-speed manual transaxle, a Weber carburetor, Koni shocks, an electronic ignition, a Stebro exhaust system, 13″ steel wheels, Blaupunkt and Infinity…
This 1971 Lotus Europa was purchased by the seller from its reported first owner in 1973, and was subsequently refurbished in the the 1980s with fiberglass repair, an exterior repaint, an overhaul of its 1.6-liter inline-four, a refresh of the interior, updates to the suspension and electrical systems, and more as described below. Features include a four-speed manual transaxle, a Weber carburetor, Koni shocks, an electronic ignition, a Stebro exhaust system, 13″ steel wheels, Blaupunkt and Infinity sound system components, and hidden light switches and a camera housed within the front grille.
The fiberglass body was removed, stress cracks were ground down, and a two-layer underlayment was added to the underside of the body before its current Olympic Blue finish was applied according to the seller, who notes the steel backbone chassis was sandblasted and coated in a two-part application of Imron paint at that time.
Painted steel wheels measure 13″ in diameter and are fitted with Lotus-branded hubcaps and Kumho tires. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums, and the fully independent suspension features replacement bushings, adjustable lower links, a modified rake, and Koni shocks fitted at all four corners.
The cockpit features fixed-back bucket seats retrimmed in black vinyl along with color-coordinated replacement door panels, carpeting, and headliner materials. Equipment include power windows, a heater, and a Blaupunkt cassette radio linked with Infinity door speakers. A fire extinguisher is mounted within the driver’s footwell, and further updates and modifications include:
The three-spoke steering wheel with a Lotus-logo center cap sits ahead of a refurbished wood dashboard fascia housing factory Smiths instrumentation. The five-digit odometer was reset at the time of the refurbishment and shows 5k miles, with true mileage unknown.
The mid-mounted 1.6-liter Renault inline-four was reportedly balanced, blueprinted, ported during the rebuild, and it was fitted with a replacement camshaft, pistons, liners, and valves. A downdraft Weber carburetor is fitted in place of the stock Solex unit, the latter of which is included in the sale. The fuel tank was refurbished, and additional features include a stock-appearing aluminum radiator fitted with an electric fan, a PerTronix electronic ignition, and a Stebro exhaust system.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Renault four-speed manual transaxle, which has been fitted with a replacement clutch disc, throwout bearing, pressure plate, and seals.
An indoor car cover, a laminated wiring diagram, service manuals, and an assortment of parts – including LED headlights, body components, and trim components.