1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Coupé (Type 74)
A 1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam, originally built on 14 July 1972 for the North American market in left-hand drive, powered by the Ford-based 1600cc twin-cam engine producing 105 bhp. The car spent several decades in the United States before returning to Britain in 2006, whereupon a comprehensive restoration lasting approximately fifteen years was undertaken. Work included conversion to right-hand drive, a full repaint in the Gold Leaf-inspired Carnival Red over Cirrus White livery by Spyder Cars, mechanical overhaul of engine, gearbox and final drive, and a complete interior retrim.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleSold £35,000 (≈ $44K)
- 1972-07-14 → 2006Acquisition unknownUS market owner(s)partial documentation
Car was built specifically for the North American export market in left-hand drive and remained in the United States until 2006.
- 2006 →Acquisition unknownCurrent UK vendorpartial documentation
Upon importing the car to the UK, the owner commissioned an extensive restoration that took roughly fifteen years to complete, including right-hand drive conversion and full cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2006RestorationSpyder Cars
A comprehensive restoration commenced following the car's return to the UK, spanning approximately fifteen years. Work encompassed conversion from left-hand to right-hand drive including a new firewall, full bare-metal repaint in Carnival Red over Cirrus White by Lotus specialists Spyder Cars, mechanical overhaul of the engine, gearbox and final drive, complete interior retrim in Oatmeal hide, refurbishment of instruments and dashboard, and restoration of the original 13-inch alloy wheels.
Fewer than 100 miles covered since completion; a running-in period was recommended before full use.
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