5k: Moldy Cone Killer: 1969 Lotus Europa S2
Barn finds may or may not be your thing, but the sight of an unrestored vintage racecar has a particularly strong pull. Don’t let the Ferrari guys have all the fun. Find this 1969 Lotus Europa S2
barn find for $3,383 reserve not met with 2 days to go. Words and tip from DT commenter & contributor slowcarSLOW-MPGlol.
It’s a good day when you’re looking at pictures of a vintage Lotus nearly tripodding around an autocross course and can buy the car for the price of a round-trip international airline flight. It looks like the front air dam was left in the ’70s, but thankfully the fender flares stayed. Most of the fiberglass body looks okay, with the exception of the livery, which is just awesome and shouldn’t be painted over.
Removing the rear luggage tray from under the hood grants easy access to the Renault-based 1565cc engine. In 1969, that was good for 80 horsepower and allegedly 110 mph, which must be among the greatest top speed:horsepower ratios on four wheels. Having half the weight of a Camry will do that. Also, its experimental Kamm aerodynamics and ridiculously low height doesn’t hurt. The thing practically comes up to your knees.
If a full restoration seems daunting, the buyer could always swap in Ford’s 2.0l Zetec engine. It bolts directly to the bellhousing and puts out 130-200 horsepower. Either way, the buyer should plan on getting friendly with the seller, who promises an additional Europa’s worth of parts for sale soon. Hopefully it has seats.
See a better vintage fiberglass racer? Email us at tips@dailyturismo.com
slowcarSLOW-MPGlol knows how many licks it takes to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop, and he’s not telling. As someone with a B+ blood type, he considers himself an optimist. Unless it has structural rust.
Perry here. Awesome car. Bone stock they are classed with Corvettes & Porsches. I had one & with a bad bronze suspension trunion it STILL cornered like a tetherball! Very impressive. I bought it from a buddy who's at least 6' tall & he drove it in the Melee. A tall dude can fit. Now I did not know that a Zetec bolts to the bellhousing as Turismo says. I would confirm that before making plans. As for the Zetec 130-to 200 horsepower in a Zetec, I can confirm that one. My Lotus 7 dynos at 208 to the wheels (it's a VERY hopped-up engine) but expect an easy 150 with a few cheap mods. Btw, these are VERY areodynamic. Coasting down hills on the highway, in nuetral, the car would accelerate rapidly. Amazing. I highly reccomend these Europas. A decent Seven, Caterham, Birkin, etc. is gonna cost you $17k & up, but they are only 150 lbs lighter.