1974 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 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 105bhp on tap, the Twin Cam was good for 117mph, a figure bettered by the more powerful (126bhp) 'Big Valve' engined Special model that superseded it after a year.

If you're going to buy probably the best handling classic Lotus of all time, it's good to know that it's just been mechanically gone through by a top historic race preparation business as has this left-hand drive, US import. The engine has been totally rebuilt by Lotus specialist, Craig Beck Racing Ltd. and the specification includes a steel crankshaft and con rods, JE pistons and CBR420 cams. The twin 40DCOE carburettors have 33mm chokes and the accompanying Dyno print-out shows a very healthy 156bhp at 7000rpm. The suspension and brakes, including new dual servos, have been fully refurbished by John Danby Racing and all this work is supported by a photographic record.

This little Lotus spent its early days in the sunny state of California and the history file shows that Ibson Marshall from San Bernadino was its long-term owner. Imported to the UK in 2019, it's supplied with a NOVA number for registration in the UK and numerous items of documentation which will be available to inspect at our Documents Desk.