Registration - YJH 49K

Chassis No. - 7103060288P

M.O.T. - May 2022

Odometer - 74,015

This decidedly eye-catching Europa has been the subject of seven-year restoration project that was completed in 2013. The many new parts installed include: front and rear dampers; braking system; various cooling system components; heater matrix and hoses; alloy fuel tank; fuel pump; dash and dashpad; door cards; and carpets and roof lining, while the original door pins have been replaced with Banks adjustable ones. The car’s original pre-crossflow 1470cc engine and four-speed manual gearbox were rebuilt by a specialist, at which time the motor was treated to new pistons and liners, a baffled sump and alloy rocker cover. The vendor, who has owned the car since 2006, these days classes the engine and transmission as ‘excellent’, the bodywork and interior trim as ‘good’, and the paintwork as ‘average’. To which he adds, ‘the bodywork has some usual spider crazing, small cracks, blistering and a couple of scratches’. He is now offering ‘YJH 49K’ complete with the original bumpers, radiator fan (the car now benefits from an electric one), front dampers, fuel tanks, a stripped Renault Fuego engine and four-speed gearbox, four original Lotus steel wheels and tyres, plus various other items. The S2 is now available complete with large history file, Lotus manual and an MOT valid until May 31 next year. The odometer currently stands at a very credible 74,015 miles, less than 2,000 of which have been covered since the car’s comprehensive rebuild.

The Europa caused a tremendous stir at its introduction in 1966, and small wonder for there was no other race-bred, mid-engined sports car available for anything like the same price. The S2 version of 1968 brought additional comfort and practicality.

In summary:

• A tidy five-owner example that has covered a relatively modest 74,015 miles to date
• The subject of a seven-year restoration
• Comes complete with numerous spare parts