1972 Lotus Europa

Make

Lotus

Model

Europa

Year

1972

Listed price

$3,000

Location

Rancho Cucamonga

Transmission

Automatic

Mileage

0 miles

The Lotus Europa, introduced in 1966, was Colin Chapman's audacious vision of a road car that could embody the "simplify, then add lightness" ethos in a mid-engined layout. Initially powered by a modified Renault engine, the Europa truly came into its own with the introduction of the Type 74 Twin Cam model in 1971. This variant finally received Lotus's own 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, a powerplant celebrated for its spirited performance and the distinctive wail it produced. The Twin Cam also saw a slight redesign, most notably a taller rear body section to improve rearward visibility and accommodate larger carburetors, making it the most refined and capable iteration of the Europa before the introduction of the JPS Special. With its fiberglass body, backbone chassis, and featherlight curb weight, the Europa offered an unparalleled driving experience that felt more akin to a race car than a road-going coupe, cementing its place as a true driver's machine and a testament to Lotus's engineering prowess. This 1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam, offered as a significant project, presents a unique opportunity to build a bespoke example of this iconic lightweight sports car. While the original California-titled vehicle sustained fire damage, this listing centers around a separate, rust-free, straight, and undamaged Twin Cam chassis (VIN: 72042207R) ready for restoration. The accompanying components are extensive, including a complete, rust-free Europa exhaust system, undamaged front and rear suspension corner assemblies, and a pair of original Europa seats. Seven original Cosmic wheels are also included, providing a period-correct foundation for the build. This collection of meticulously preserved components provides an exceptional foundation for bringing a revered Lotus back to life.