Early Production Twin Cam Big Valve Europa - Owner Since 1974 w/ Documentation

1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam

1971 1/2 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Big Valve - #112Either the rare US "Federal" version with 113bhp or based upon the valve cover "Big Valve" it could also be the 128bhp version. Either way, a very desirable optioned car!
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RARE Twin Cam US "Federal" VersionLotus Europa Twin CamIn 1971, the Type 74 Europa Twin Cam was made available to the public, with a 105bhp 1557ccLotus-Ford Twin Camengine (113bhp US "Federal" version with standard emissions control and Big Valve engine with Stromberg carburetors, until the end of production) and a re-designed bodyshell to improve rearward visibility. Initially with the same gearbox as the earlier cars, once the supply had been exhausted in 1972 a new stronger Renault four-speed gearbox (Type 352) was introduced.Mike Kimberley, who rose to become chief executive of Group Lotus, then a new engineer at Lotus, was appointed Chief Engineer of the Europa TC project. 1,580 cars were shipped as Europa "Twin Cam" before Lotus switched to a 126bhp "Big Valve" version of the engine.
Just found after 25-plus years in storage, this 1971 1/2 Lotus Europa was purchased new here in Manhattan Beach, CA in April of 1972. The last owner bought it from his friend two years later in 1974 and has owned it ever since, until we discovered the car this week. The car "ran bitching" when it was parked back in the early 90's when it was being stripped down for paint. As things go, life carried on but the Lotus paint did not. Fast forward 25-plus years and the owner decided it is time to let it go and for the car to find a new home. We would love for this car to go to someone that will perform a proper restoration and get this car back to its former glory.
Highlights:Rare early (1971 1/2 Twin Cam Special / Big Valve Car)Two Owner California CarOriginal California "Blue Plate"Documentation, Including Original TitleOwner's ManualService ManualTool KitJackPerformance HeaderRust FreeRunning & BrakingNew Windshield & Many Original Hard To Find Parts & Spares
Exterior:The exterior is in great shape. The last owner had started to remove the paint and do some minor body work for a cosmetic restoration that never was completed. The rear deck and front bonnet are both in great shape. The lights, trim, bumpers, hubcaps are all there, just off of the car. There is a new windshield that goes with the car.
Interior:The interior is in surprisingly great shape. The passenger seat looks like no one has ever sat in it and the driver's seat only shows a little wear where the driver got in and out of the car. The gauges are in good condition, as well as the tach that was removed (shown in photo) due to a resistor that needed replaced. The door panels are also in great shape.
Mechanical:The owner said 'The car ran bitchin' before I took it apart!' He said he had done a lot of work prior to the engine. We believe this to be the case as we were able to get it running pretty easily.
Mechanically the car appears to be in great condition considering how long it has sat. We soaked the cylinders and turned the motor by hand before we did anything. Everything moved freely so we did an oil service, trans-axle service, put a new battery, installed some new plugs in it and cranked it over and after just a couple of tries it fired right up. This was done with an auxiliary, temporary fuel supply as we did not know the condition of the factory fuel tanks. The fuel tanks appear to be fine, we would just recommend that they are flushed. We also bled the brakes and were able to get a decent pedal. The front brakes appear to be working, but the rears seem to have a leaking wheel cylinder. I saw some spare cylinders in the parts, so this should be an easy fix. Overall we feel this is a very solid car that with some maintenance it will be a good running/driving car.
A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon purchase and the balance is due within three (3) days of the sale. We are happy to help you find a transporter if you are shipping the truck. We can often save you quite a bit of money going through one of our contacts.
Please call with any questions or ask through Ebay. Jonas 310-600-1182


Item Photos
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