Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Lotus Europa Twin Cam
s/n 74/3814R
Maroon and Black Interior

The Lotus name is synonymous with innovation, and the Lotus Europa was one of the first production vehicles to use a mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout. Colin Chapman designed the Europa around his minimalist beliefs, and all efforts were made to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. The vehicle was to be an inexpensive performance machine. The chassis was constructed of steel while the body was fiberglass. Ron Hickman, the director of Lotus Engineering, produced drawings in 1963. The vehicle sat low, and was designed as a replacement for the popular Lotus 7. Although the aesthetics are often debated by Lotus enthusiasts, the cars were popular worldwide, and during its production lifespan, around 9,300 examples were sold.

In 1971 Lotus introduced the Type 74 Europa TC, meaning Twin-Cam. Outfitted with a 1600 cc twin-cam engine and a four-speed manual gearbox, the vehicle was capable of producing just over 100 horsepower. The body was enlarged slightly to provide extra interior room for passengers. In total, less than 1,600 examples were produced in the TC format.

This particular car is a wonderful, preservation grade TC. It is a fanatic enthusiast owned two-owner car from new and has logged just 29,700 miles to date. Critical inspection confirms the paintwork to be original, over a no-issues body. The interior presents as-new, with an unmarked and un-weathered seats, door panels, and dash.

Among other more minor upkeep efforts, the front suspension was rebuilt. The car drives exceedingly well, with a tight and cohesive feel of a low mileage unrestored car. The engine and driveline are both performing as intended by Lotus. In short, this Europa TC is as close to a new car in condition as possible, and is arguably the best preserved TC extant.

With the car comes a second set of original keys, an original owner’s manual and service manual, an original sales brochure, various workshop manuals, a file of records for recent work performed, extra headers, a starter, the gas recirculation equipment originally fitted, and a large box of spare parts sure to prove helpful to the new owner.

For the collector looking for a “survivor” example, this is a needle in a haystack.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608