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1970 Lotus Europa S2 - Operational Project

  • Price: Ask a price!
  • Location: Pasadena, California, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Lotus
  • Model: Other
  • SubModel: Europa
  • Type: Coupe
  • Trim: S2
  • Year: 1970
  • Mileage: 25,000
  • VIN: 0701R
  • Color: Yellow
  • Engine size: 1600
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Power options: Power Windows
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Black
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Sunroof
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1970 Lotus Other S2 Description

This 1970 Renault engined 1970 Lotus Europa was last registered for the road in the early 80s, in San Diego. I bought it as a project from the San Diego owner a few years ago, and have been enjoying getting it road ready ever since. Now I am unexpectedly moving house and will have no room at my new place to keep it, so it is being sold as an almost-complete operational project to the highest bidder. The Title is clear and in my name. The car is registered with the DMV as No-Op.

The following sections detail the status of the Europa - please don't hesitate to message me if anything is unclear or you need further information/photos.
Mechanical
The engine starts and runs smoothly - see the video. It is equipped with a Warneford manifold and Weber twin barrel carburetor having velocity stacks. The carburetor has been overhauled and has new seals. I installed a new water pump, a new mechanical fuel pump, and replaced all coolant hoses. All belts are new. The oil is fresh, both in the engine and gearbox, the former has a new oil filter. There are new brake shoes and brake cylinders on the rear wheels, a new brake master cylinder, new brake line and fittings on the left rear, new flexible brake hoses all round, and fresh brake fluid. A set of new front brake pads are not fitted, but supplied with the car. The handbrake is functional (i.e. the cable is free in its liner), but disconnected from the shoe levers at each side. There are new roll pins in the rear axles, and new hub nuts on the rear stub axles. The car is fitted with four brand new tires 165/70R13. There is a new reverse light switch on the transmission. The steering rack bellows are new. There are new bushings on the front sway bar. There are several new fittings on the gear shift linkage, however, changing gear is like stirring a bowl of porridge, a common complaint with these cars, so the whole linkage mechanism could use an overhaul. The clutch engages and disengages without any issues. The mileage shown on the odometer is unlikely to be correct.
Electrical
Pretty much everything electrical is operational, including the exterior and interior lights, radiator fan, windscreen wipers, electric windows. The horn is present and wired, but needs some work on the steering wheel horn push button assembly - the current setup is a little funky. I installed two new gauges in the center console: voltage and manifold vacuum. The ammeter gauge shows that the battery is charging nicely when the engine is running. The oil pressure sensor is new. The electric door window motors and mechanisms were refurbished. I also installed an electric windscreen washer pump which is operated using a button on the centre console inside the car, and supplied by a reservoir in the front bonnet. The battery fitted is a small unit for a sit-on lawnmower: it turns the engine over fine (it's a small engine), but you may want to replace it with something beefier.
Body
The doors have new Banks brass hinges installed (costly, but a much better setup than the original steel rods). There are two new chrome bullet mirrors fitted to the doors. The rear windscreen has a new rubber seal. The front windscreen has been re-sealed to the body. I installed some chrome trim around the windscreen, but it is poorly done, and you will probably want to remove or replace it. When I received the car it had some fibreglass damage to the rear left quarter panel, which I repaired and re-glassed - a driver quality job.
The body has been painted in a shade of yellow that approximates the original factory color which was "Bahama Yellow" (the car was white when I got it). The paint job is driver quality.
Interior
The dash is not an original piece as far as I know. I refinished it with new lettering and several coats of polyurethane varnish. The dash top is a custom fabrication in naugehyde. Switches, vents and controls are all operational. There is new carpet installed on the floors and rear firewall, and a new headliner. There is a wide-view Twink rear view mirror (which makes a huge difference to visibility). The seats and inner doors are upholstered in corduroy, but the material is threadbare and coming apart in places. (The seats are amazingly comfortable!)
Documentation
The car comes with various documents provided by the previous owner to me, including DMV records from the 80s indicating the California blue plate number 711 ZOA. Also included are all receipts for parts etc. I have bought and installed, together with an original Lotus Workshop Manual.
Payment and Title transfer
A deposit of $500 is due from the winning bidder within 24 hours of the auction's end. The balance is due via a wire transfer to my bank account within 7 days of the auction's end. No other forms of payment are accepted. Once payment in full has been received, I will transfer the Title to your name and give it to you or your representative. The new owner is responsible for picking up the car and transporting it from my house: I can assist with loading it onto your flatbed. Bring a trailer - this Europa is not quite ready for the open road!

Video of idling YouTube link id: N3cZgqAB2hQ

On Jul-01-17 at 09:40:13 PDT, seller added the following information:

Edit: the tires are 175/70R13. I added photos of the steering wheel with Lotus horn push and one of the front tires.

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