1972 Lotus Europa Series 2, 1655cc Ford Zetec. Registration ...

Estimate

£15,000 - £20,000

1972 Lotus Europa Series 2, 1655cc Ford Zetec. Registration number EDN 896K. Chassis number 7103070305P. Body number 0305R F6-3. New engine number FYB -1A714863 (V5C states the old engine number 2801).
Sold with the V5C, full folder of receipts for parts and works undertaken and a quantity of spares.
The Lotus Europa was developed as the Type 46, with the name reflecting Chapman’s desire to expand more into overseas markets with a well-priced road-going sports car with race-bred handing. It was the first all-new Lotus to be made after the move from Cheshunt to Hethel in 1966.
The backbone chassis was developed from that of the Elan. The bodywork was exceptionally aerodynamic and the motoring media loved the way it handled. True to its name it was only sold in mainland Europe. The original concept was penned by Ron Hickman for a proposed Lotus/Ford GT earlier in the decade, but when that didn’t progress the existing design was simplified for mass production as a Lotus.
The Europa S2 debuted in April 1968 with extra refinement, again only for drivers across the Channel. That changed a year after launch when a UK version was announced. A new variant aimed at the North American market arrived in 1969, followed by the Europa Twin Cam in 1971 and the Europa Special in 1972.
EDN was purchased by our vendor in 2018 from Russel Walker and has received a full body off restoration. The suspension has been upgraded to improve the handling. The original Renault engine has been replaced with a specially built Ford Zetec 16V engine with twin 40 DCOE Webbers, full stainless steel bespoke manifold and exhaust system, a Nodiz ignition system, electric water pump and cooling system. The car then received a full repaint in Gold Leaf colours, and was fitted with Revolution wheels. Over £26,000 has been spent, not including our vendors time, on the restoration. There is a comprehensive list of works undertaken between 2018 and 2021.
It is being sold as he finds getting in and out too much of a challenge