The Lotus Europa used Lotus founder Colin Chapman's minimalist steel backbone chassis that was first used in the Elan, while also relying on its fibreglass moulded body for structural strength, and was based on a prototype built to compete for Henry Ford II's contract to build a Le Mans racing car in the early 1960's. The four-wheel independent suspension was typical of Chapman's thinking. The rear suspension was a modified Chapman strut, as used for Chapman's earlier Formula racing car designs with the handling prompting automotive writers to describe the Europa as the nearest thing to a Formula car for the road. The Series One was announced for sale in 1966 and was originally fitted with a modified Renault 16, 1470cc. This version having the desirable Lotus twin cam inline-four engine and a four-speed gearbox. The Europa was designed and built to be an embodiment of Chapman's oft-stated philosophy of automotive design; "simplify, then add lightness."

This example of the Lotus Europa has had a recent extensive refurbished, it is presented in the Embassy colours of Red over White which is an evocative colour scheme for a great looking classic. Imported from Canada in 2023, our vendor declares the chassis is excellent and he has renewed a host of items through the car including, brakes and hoses, new windscreen, electric window motors were rebuilt and wiper motors, new springs, refurbished alloy wheels, both fuel tanks professionally cleaned and pressure tested, new electric fuel pump and non-return valve and electronic ignition fitted for reliability. It has just passed its MoT test certificate and has UK specification LED lighting discreetly fitted. Importantly, the engine has also been rebuilt before an interior retrim, and the wiring renewed and professionally installed with new Odyssey extreme battery and cutoff. Barely run in, this restored left hand drive example is offered at under half the cost of the rebuild and car presents fabulously. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Lot details
Year: 1972
Make: Lotus
Model: Europa
Registration: BNT 616K
Chassis No: 2550R
Odometer: tba

* Extensive recently refurbished
* Painted in Embassy colours