1974 Lotus Europa

1974 Lotus Europa Special For consignment, a 1974 Lotus Europa special with a title verified 62,400 actual miles. The car was painted in 2017 and underwent a refurbishment process that lasted from 2018 to 2021. Just 1,466 Europa Specials were built in 74 and less than 5,000 during the run of twin cam variants which were produced from 71 to 74. Exterior Its hard to argue with the fine choice here, Cirrus White paint accented by a painted red racing stripe that begins on the nose piece, rides the roof and spills down to the decklid, highlighting the proportions and unusual, and unmistakable shape, of the Europa. Flying buttresses were reduced after 72 but still present here, originally the catalyst for the cars nickname, the bread van . Between these pillars is the notably narrow rear window looking back on an integrated rear rise which enhances the long flat rear section of the car. The Lotus is remarkably low and the shoulder line, of course, is even lower which results in shallow doors, a steeply raked windshield, and a nose that descends between rounded fenders that contour around the headlights in front. In back, the modest gray bumper is actually above the tail lights which are simple, split wide units on a narrow valance. 13-inch wheels, argent gray like the bumpers, mirrors, vents, and door handles, carry 70 series tires. Imperfections include a chip in the gray bumper paint, cracking paint and filler in the corner of a door, and a scuff on a wheel opening arch. Interior The door panels are finished nicely in black vinyl with red stitching and a gray gap that does not provide a storage pocket, but allows for some elbow room in the cozy cabin. The same colors are used on the sport bucket seats, low to the floor and configured as gray inserts surrounded by black vinyl cushions and both are in very good shape. The red stitched 3 spoke steering wheel gives way to basic gauges behind a gray painted panel, breaking up the black faced dial with a visible red line on the tach. Red stitched black vinyl also covers the center console, loose in some place, but clean and intact and housing a wood knobbed shifter sporting the Lotus logo and power window switches, just in front of an AM/FM/Cassette radio. Low pile gray carpet is in good general condition and lines the narrow footwells. We note some peeling of the black vinyl on the A-pillar, but the gray headliner is in excellent condition. There is a small plastic lined storage area in the back which we find tidy and clean. Drivetrain Mid mounted is a 1588cc DOHC inline 4 cylinder, and the more powerful Big Valve engine as it is known, puts out 113 horsepower. It is fueled by a pair of Zenith Stromberg CD2SE carburetors and backed by a 5-speed manual transaxle with 3.77 rear gears. The engine compartment is clean and as engines go, this is a good looking unit with ribbed cam covers and side mounted twin carbs, along with heat wrapped headers. When it was overhauled, it received a new crankshaft, flywheel, bearings, and gaskets. Brakes here are configured as front discs and rear drums. Undercarriage Clean underneath with belly pans that take up some real estate, minimal surface rust, and no apparent leaks. The single exhaust flows to a stock style muffler, then exits via a steel pipe through a contoured cove in the valance. Independent coil over suspension is supplied front and rear. Drive-Ability They say Miatas are like driving go karts, but getting into this car is the closest thing weve experienced since the Rupp Dart we drove as kids. Once in, theres room to move around and shift the car which eagerly starts and rolls onto the test loop. Acceleration is quite good and enhanced by the low, low center of gravity and proximity to the ground, like a real race car! The turn signals are not working, nor is the radio and finally, the heater blower is non functional. All other items on board that do a job are working! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Europas are rare and desirable and later models such as this 74 are even more coveted than the early ones as improvements were made over the years and the cars were afforded with more power. This is a very fine example and will save you months of headaches in working to restore one. Here, the sorting out has been done for you and you and enjoy this legendary sports car tomorrow! But only if you call the mall today. Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. 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