Targa Tops: 1969 Lotus Europa S2
The Europa, a sleek two-seater crafted by Lotus Cars under Colin Chapman in Norfolk, UK, saw just 9300 models produced between 1966-1975. Despite today’s inflated prices in the market (look at those Porsche 912 or 914 rates… ahem), the Europa remains remarkably budget-friendly. This lightweight beauty, renowned for its distinctive high-butted design and agile performance, continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless allure and accessible pricing in an era of inflated values within the automotive world. Not sure how I feel about the custom Targa roof…but if it doesn’t leak I could be okay with it. Find this 1969 Lotus Europa S2 offered for $14,969 in Redondo Beach, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
From the seller:
1969 LOTUS EUROPA
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 43000
paint color: green
size: compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: convertible
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This Europa stayed with one family since purchased new in London then brought to Southern California in 1971. The car was later taken to Washington where it was dis-assembled and rebuilt from the ground up. Modified with custom bodywork and a removable vinyl targa top. Power is from a FRESH Gordini Hemi 1.6-liter inline-four with Twin Weber carburetors reportedly sourced from a Renault R18 and overhauled over the course of two years by Ray Segale linked with a rebuilt four-speed transaxle. The car is finished in British Racing Green over a recently reupholstered black interior. Equipment includes a front air dam, custom turned aluminum gauge panels & switchgear in a Wood Dash Panel and Lots more. Period Correct Four-lug alloy wheels wear fresh TOYO PROXES R888 R tires, 205/60R13 86V in the rear, 185/6oR13 80V in the front.
Interior features fixed-back seats that were reupholstered in black vinyl by John Parkhurst in October 2020, along with gray carpets and a refinished woodgrain dash that houses custom switchgear panels that were recently polished. A three-spoke steering wheel with a Lotus center cap frames Smiths instrumentation including a 7k-rpm tachometer and a 140-mph speedometer. The five-digit odometer reads approximately 43k miles which was presented as accurate actual miles
The mid-mounted 1.6-liter inline-four was sourced from a Renault R18 and overhauled over the course of two years by Ray Segale and is equipped with Dual Weber carburetors on a crossflow Hemi cylinder head. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a fresh four-speed manual transaxle. Service in preparation for the sale included adjustment of the carburetors, cooling system work, replacement of the starter and water pump, fuel tank repair, new brakes all around, rebuilt Brake & Clutch Master cylinders. Steering knuckle and tie rod ends replaced and more!
Additional underbody photos are provided in the gallery to show the condition of the suspension and drivetrain
Call KIM RIDLEY
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More Photos https://ridleysrides.com/1969-lotus-europa-s2
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eCq3cnyCxM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm-86UkKT5w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw4-EaYtbHI
Surprised there are no “targa bars” above the doors to stiffen up the chassis and reduce flex.
Gotta say, I’ve always found Europas ugly (that big flat expanse of rear boot). But this one? This one I like. Color, lines, overall… it’s really easy on the eyes.
Seems to be pretty well sorted, too.
Would I buy it? Never.
But I’d certainly take it for a spin if thrown the keys.
-Stan (the *other* Stan… does anyone here even remember first Stan…?)
If you’ve never seen one in-person, it’s hard to tell from photos just how tiny these are; you don’t so much “get into” one as “put it on”. I once got to ̶s̶i̶t̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶ try one on and found it pretty snug, and I’m only 5’8″!
Yeah my 914/6 is like driving around a living room compared to a Europa. Hell, it’s massively more roomy than a Boxster for that matter. On the other hand I wouldn’t want to get t-boned by a large motorcycle in the 914. A fat guy on a moped would probably do you in in a Europa.
That said, the videos of this really make me want it.