Europa prices trail Elans but are more valuable than
Esprits. Most desired are the JPS models where $41,967.43 plus can be asked if
truly exceptional, otherwise it’s half this and this includes the rare S1, if
for no other reason that it is eligible for HSCC races. You can still buy a
good S2 for comfortably under ten grand. This, says leading Lotus light Pat
Thomas of Kelverdeon Lotus, is because the vast majority of cars aren't
especially good; rear suspensions are usually badly aligned, for example, while
the gear change is always bad. Thomas, given the choice, would opt for an Elan
(obviously!) or an S1 Esprit instead, because at least the latter is strongly
appreciating making restorations worthwhile.
Breadvan Side View
Improvements
Why not make yours a ‘Q-roupa’?
Mid-engined, with a spacious engine bay, a wide variety of
different engines can be fitted with some ingenuity, including V8s – in fact, a
special and hugely impressive Rover V8-powered car by engineering firm GKN was
made soon after launch – hammering out 300bhp! More popular and saner fits come
from Vauxhall and Ford (Zetec) 16-valve units.
The nose is
beautifully styled it was nicknamed "Anastasia", which around Modena
is a derogatory name for an ugly woman but it looks pretty good to me
The Renault engine was quite tunable in its day and period
Gordini/Alpine/Else tuning parts, while rare, can see as much as 150bhp
extracted while for the Lotus twin cam 160-180bhp is easy to reach and reliable
enough for road use. A fairly common ploy these days concerning Renault-engined
cars is to simply fit the 1565cc engine from later 16s; it’s peppier plus parts
are much easier to obtain.
Front suspension is Elan, which in other words is Triumph
Spitfire. The rear set up is well sorted (if the geometry is correct) and only
needs up rated springs and dampers (the latter wear out very quickly, we’re
told) along with harder bushes and wider modern tyres, although the Specials
are pretty well shod already and some feel ultra grippy rubber places undue
strain on the chassis.
Breadvan Engine
First things first, and that’s have any car properly set up
by an expert which will make a world of difference, such as Cambs based Spyder
cars, best known for its space frame replacement chassis.
The company says there’s new interest in Europas; “We have
found interest in Europas is growing in the last couple of years; we have five
cars currently under restoration in our workshop” and it offers a very
comprehensive range of parts and services for all models for standard and up rated
purposes. Space frame chassis, Renault Espace five-speed transmissions, rear
disc conversions, double wishbone rear suspension, which dramatically improves
the rear suspension geometry, and Ford Zetec engine conversions are available
(see advert in this issue).
Verdict
Like Marmite, you either love or hate the Europa! The design
is more thoroughbred than the orthodox (if you can call a Lotus that) Elan and
dare we say more special? In this respect it’s not unlike the Elise or Exige.
What’s the best classic? You best try them before deciding whether an Europa is
the best thing since sliced bread. Or not.
