1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam (Type 74)

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 whilst 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 and, with 105bhp on tap, the Twin Cam was good for a respectable 117mph.

This outstanding Europa, with an extensive restoration just completed, is superbly detailed throughout. Originally manufactured on the 14th July 1972 for the US market in left-hand drive, the Twin Cam remained overseas until returning to the UK in 2006. Upon its arrival, an extensive restoration commenced taking some 15 years to come to fruition, and during the rebuild the Lotus was converted to UK right-hand drive specification which included a new firewall for integrity and originality. Externally, it has been fully refinished by Lotus Specialists ‘Spyder Cars’ in the desirable and instantly recognisable Gold Leaf colour scheme of Carnival Red over Cirrus White, a combination beloved by Lotus F1 all those years ago. Mechanically the engine, gearbox and final drive have all received attention and, now fully detailed and with less than 100 miles covered since completion, a further period of running in is highly recommended to achieve the very best from the renowned Twin Cam 1600 engine. Internally, a full retrim has been completed in Oatmeal hide contrasting superbly with the overhauled gauges and dashboard. Now rolling on its refurbished original 13’’ alloy wheels fitted with Yokohama A539 tyres, this freshly restored Europa must surely rank as one of the very best on the market today and as such we encourage and welcome your early inspection to fully appreciate the lengths taken to prepare this superb two- seat, mid-engine, sports coupe to this remarkable standard.