1971 Lotus Europa S2 Project

1971 Lotus Europa S2 Description

This car has been converted to a Mazda 12A rotary powered car, otherwise intact. The twin rotary has a reputation for running hot, so there is an extra radiator plumbed inline with the original. I don't feel people involved spent much time thinking about evacuating the heat and therefore the system is poorly thought out, and I suspect the car was never driven with the conversion. That is why I acquired the correct engine and have begun collecting the components needed to restore it to a more useable state -- the fuel tank is only 7 gallons -- the Mazda gets 19 - 21 mpg at best, the Renault engine about 35 mpg. With the extra radiator and theperhaps Mazda clutch (this one has a hydraulic actuatingsystem) some of the pedal area forward of the firewall is incorrect, but changeable. The windscreen will need to be replaced, and the interior will need work. I have seen that some people have installed Porsche 914 seats, and correct Lotus seats show up on ebay from time to time. I haven't inspected the frame or had the car up on a lift, but suspect that it is in good shape. As my project, my intents were to start all over with the wiring harness and switch the system to a safe voltmeter. Then get the Renault engine back in place, and do something about the paint. So I have extras to go with the car -- starter, suspension extras for the front suspension, some of the correct Smiths instruments, etc. that weren't with the car when I acquired it. I have many light units that are in better condition than those already on the car, and are correct, but are still time-worn. I bought new tires 3 years ago, and the car has been stored inside all of this time. I will try to answer specific questions you may have.