Hello, I'm considering ditching my modern characterless car for something that has a personality. I don't have a lot of money and my mechanical skills are basic. I really like the idea of restoring a lotus Europa (a dream car from my youth). Does anyone have an experience of this car they could kindly share with me.
Thanks for your time.
Technically simple, but a pain in the arse. Also thoroughly unpleasant to drive anywhere near other traffic. There can be no other car (unless of course for the list that will be posted shortly) where access to any component is simply so damned awkward. I'd go for the Renault engine if I could, not a Ford/Louts twink. Renault engines have a lousy reputation, but I've always liked those I've had (learn French and work that phone / web / cheap ferry ticket).
Beware of rust. Like all older (fibreglass) Lotuses, they're dreadful rotboxes, just because you can't see them doing it. Any sort of vaguely serious restoration means taking the body off and seeing what the chassis is up to. OTOH, once you've done this, it's a fairly simple chassis to rebuild from a lace curtain (well, I think so, but then I've got the kit and the experience to deal with it)
Overall, I'd probably go for something else. But then if it's a childhood wish specifically for a Europa ....
It's not a car you could contemplate as an only vehicle.
-- Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods
ISTR the Renault 5 speed boxes are to all intents and purposes unobtainable now.
So if you go to one that's appears fine apart from a knackered gearbox, be warned !
Not all fibreglass Lotuses! The original Elite is a fibreglass monocoque so no steel chassis. The trouble there was that the rear suspension mountings broke away.
Lots Of Trouble - Usually Serious!
In message , Zippy writes
A very simple car, so easy to repair, but the chassis is probably rotted by now. Much better replacement chassis are available with the ability to take more modern suspension.
By which you mean the Banks Europa?
Europa (a dream
What ever you buy don't expect it to have 24/7 availability like modern car -- the best chance of even approaching that with a classic sports car is an MG as for the Europa ----. Not a good beginners car -- avoid the Twincam at all costs very expensive to maintain and the engine is not DIY friendly unless you have a lot of experience with DOHC engine overhauls , the Renault powered version is simpler to maintain both engine wise and electrically but the Renualt 16 engine was if neglected very prone to head gasket failure and cylinder liner seals leaking and once overheated the block would usually warp. The main thing to watch out for is the chassis as well as corosion the chassis is easily twisted by even a minor knock and a rear engined Lotus with a twisted chassis isn't user friendly.
If you want a beginners Lotus look for a Caterham in need of TLC -- prices are much lower than the were
OK, screw the Lotus. Build one of those from the ground up, and put some modern bits in it. It would have to be a much better car, and I'm sure it would be quicker and cheaper than a restoration too.
-- Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods
No, the people who do the replacement Elan +2 chassis do a Europa one (Spydersport?).
Get a Renault engined one, and you'll find that a range of more modern engines from Renault will fit the transmission (with a bit of a problem in a few areas I'll admit). If you're a kit-car builder you'll have no problem.
You can get proper EFI as well instead of clunky old Weber carbs. (Dons flameproof hat!)
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