1969 LOTUS EUROPA

KEY FACTS

• A cherished and fastidiously maintained example of the classic lightweight GT car; built as a replica of the Type 47 works car in Gold Leaf colours.
• This Europa is powered by a later-model, mid-mounted 1647cc cross-flow engine, which has been upgraded to produce around 135bhp, sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
• Having been built to its current specification by the vendor around 20 years ago, the car has been regularly serviced, and has accrued less than 5,000 miles in the years since.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Significantly upgraded and enhanced by the vendor, this example boasts a Salv Sacco-modified cross-flow engine, twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, a Banks exhaust system, 5-speed transaxle gearbox, full roll-cage and more. A full specification list is available below.
• The vendor notes that the carburettors were setup professionally by Southern Carbs.
• It was built up 20 years ago using a Type 47 body shell with the wider arches, and this was professionally resprayed in the Gold Leaf team colours.
• Included with the car is an excellent history file, including every invoice since 1999, letter from Lotus Cars confirming the original build details, workshop manual, parts book, insurance valuation letter from Club Lotus and MOT certificates.
• Also included is a tailored indoor car cover.

Specification:

• Type 47 body shell
• Salv Sacco modified 1647cc cross-flow engine
• Built to ‘Alpine fast road’ specification
• Twin 45 Weber DCOE carburettors
• Banks exhaust system
• 5-speed transaxle gearbox
• Fully adjustable shock absorbers
• Upgraded springs
• Poly-bushed suspension
• 14-inch alloy wheels
• Roll cage including side-intrusion bars
• One-piece Perspex side windows
• Alloy fuel tank
• Alloy header tank

CONDITION

• There is no damage to the Type 47 body shell.
• The paintwork is in superb condition on account of the vehicle’s low mileage since the build, with the vendor noting only a small scratch by the front Lotus badge, along with the odd stone chip.
• Inside, this Europa remains in excellent shape, with the replica alloy dashboard suiting the custom build very well. The black vinyl seat covers are in generally good order, though there is some noticeable wear to the driver’s outer bolster with a few very small splits.
• The carpets and door trims were replaced during the rebuild around 20 years ago.
• The most recent MOT test took place on 4 August 2017 at 4,567 miles, which resulted in a pass with no advisories.
• While there are no known faults with the vehicle, the car has not been driven for at least a year, so the vendor recommends a full mechanical check-over before driving.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Throughout their ownership, the vendor has always maintained the car themselves, attending to any minor issues when needed. However, with less than 5,000 miles since the custom build, it has needed very little beyond routine servicing.
• The most recent oil and filter change took place during 2019, and the car has covered only around 50 miles since.

SUMMARY

Well-known and respected in Lotus club circles, and even winning a concours award in 2004 at Brooklands, this incredible Lotus Europa is a stunning bespoke sports car, built up using a Type 47 body. Thanks to its uprated powertrain and suspension it is a truly engaging and exciting classic car, so this represents a wonderful opportunity to obtain a unique and significantly improved Europa; and is only offered for sale as the vendor is downsizing their collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.