1970 Lotus Europa S2

I purchased this Europa in April 1980, only the second owner from new. It was purchased as a second car but soon after became my only car for about 2 years. Over 30,000 miles each year took it's toll, as did having it stolen in Italy (recovered about 2 weeks later with damaged suspension). So when I was again able to make it a second car in late1983 I took it off the road, stripped it down to every last nut and bolt and thought **** can I actualy put this back together. As the photos show I could. I unfortunately lost my photos of the restoration many years ago, but this is one of the few 'Before' shots that I have.

Only a little while after I purchased it in 84 (I think the previous owner had a mirror fettish)

Originaly a rather drab Lotus sand yellow it was repainted in Triumph Inca Yellow which is quite a bit brighter although that isn't obvious in this shot. The new drivers door mirror is usefull but the passengers is for aesthetics only!.

Not long after the rebuild - about 1985 ish

Newly rebuilt I was brave enough to make it's first major run down to the rain sodden 1984 Monaco Grand Prix. I'm not sure I've ever been as wet since

Just outside Aix-en-Provence on the way to the Monaco Grand Prix

I didn't replace the original interior when I rebuilt the car, but later a fit of maddness took me and I retrimmed it in black and grey cloth. It looks nice but very difficult to keep clean. The additional dials in the centre console are volts and oil temperature along with switches for the screen wasers, hazards, maplight and arial.

Interior August 2002

I replaced the original 82hp engine in about 1988 with a Renault 17TS unit which should give it performance comparable with the later Twin cam version although I've never accurately tested it.

August 2002

Thie above gives a better ideaof the colour this is a bit bright - I think the wheels need a polish! The red 1978 Sunbeam Stiletto is in the background..

August 2002