Lotus Europa, dream or nightmare

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Lotus-Europa-S2-1-6L-/281160996748?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item417680578c

3 of them, has any GRMer actually finished one yet?

They're both.

Dr. Hess wrote: They're both.

says the man who who's had a lotus barbecue itsself. If the good Dr. decides to expand on his earlier statement, pay attention to what he says. He knows lotuses.

Oh c'mon Steve, you know you'd rather have mine with the original Twink(worth $$) and the Zetec to replace it! I bet I'll take less than his reserve, and I'll even deliver for a nice steak dinner.

No, I dont think anyone has ever finished a Europa..including the factory that shipped them out the doors.

I built one that someone else paid for. It was a 72 Twin Cam if I remember correctly. Cool car, but needed a lot of tinkering to get out the door. The 5 speed trans and engine leaked if you looked at them wrong. Door hinge pins are a major pain to deal with, since they are literally a 15" long or so pin for each door that likes to rust into place. Dave Bean Engineering is a good source for upgrade and replacement parts. Most everything is still available in one way or another, but some parts are expensive.

Loads of fun to drive. 100hp in a 1600lb car moves pretty well. Lots of cars are described as a go kart for the street. I think it is actually true for the Europa.

I always thought one with a k series honda or a toyota 2zz-ge would be pretty nuts.

I've been reading about Rob Siegel's '74 Europa build lately and I can tell you this - I will never own one of those ugly cars.

aussiesmg wrote: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Lotus-Europa-S2-1-6L-/281160996748?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item417680578c 3 of them, has any GRMer actually finished one yet?

That BIN seems about 3x over-priced. A running Europa for $15K? Sure. Three projects? No berking way...