Saleofcar.com :Lotus

Lotus Other SPECIAL (1974)
for sale

Price: US $13,475.00

Description:

Offered for bid is quite rare and very desirable 1974 Lotus Europa Special 5 Speed. One of the last of the Europas produced, model is powered by the Lotus Ford 1558 cc Big Valve engine mated to a Renault type 365 5 speed gearbox. Car was purchased from I believe the original owner in 1982 and spent most of its life in dry storage as it had some minor issues which I never had time to attend to. Approximately 2 years ago the project to get the car road going again was begun resulting in the motor being refreshed, electrics gone through and brakes rebuilt. The motor was completely disassembled, block cleaned and bores honed, crankshaft cleaned and polished and water pump rebuilt by a local Cosworth specialist. Motor was reassembled by an experienced Lotus mechanic with cylinder head cleaned and valves adjusted, carbs rebuilt, new standard rod and main bearings and new piston rings. All new gaskets and seals. New exhaust down pipe, fuel pump and clutch cable. New springs and dampers from Dave Bean at all four corners including suspension bushings. Rebuilt brake master cylinder, calipers and rear brake cylinders although the power brake servos are frozen and have been removed and bypassed. Body is very good with no real stress cracks or spider webs. A small area of damage to the left rear below the bumper was repaired but not painted. Paint could probably be buffed out to be presentable but car could really use a re-spray. The original owner did have two rectangular holes cut in the area below the spare wheel which will need to be addressed, that is the extent of body repairs required. Interior will require some work as the headliner is drooping, dash veneer is peeling and rear glass gasket needs replacement. Seat condition is not bad but whole interior really needs a thorough cleaning. To be road going and pass PA State inspection car will need 4 tires, a muffler, alternator, starter relay and wiper blades. I expect the gearbox output shaft seals should be renewed due to age, they have not been replaced. When I purchased the car the right side fuel tank had been removed being told it leaked. I cannot find it so that part has to be MIA. Otherwise the car is original and pretty much complete. Chassis is clean and straight, body shows no evidence of any crash damage and would be an ideal candidate for a concours quality restoration with most of the mechanical work already done. My goal was to just have a nice weekend driver but with a TR3 and a Duetto I no longer have the time, space or energy. A good honest car that needs a bit of finishing to be driven and enjoyed. Car does not run as it needs an alternator to complete the ignition circuit and as the tires are 30+ years old it will need to be transported. I have tried to photograph the problem areas of the car as best I can. Any questions please inquire, I will do my best to answer.
_{update: 2015-12-15}