Lotus Europa - Love it or hate it?

I've long been smitten by the Lotus Europa.  In fact, I have a strong suspicion that my first vintage race car --if I am financially blessed to have ANY race car some day-- will probably be a Europa.  I love how incredibly low they are, and the flares just add another level of cool.  Chapman's genius for chassis engineering and use of fiberglass really shows in this peculiar car, and they are still relatively affordable and cheap to run. 

However, I know I am in a small club who likes the Europa, and many consider it to be weird and ungainly.  Let's hear from you, fellow Automobiliacs!  Love it or hate it?  And please say why you think so!

Comments

[Spannerhead]

I think popular opinion of its looks suffered by virtue of the fact that it was the immediate of the very tidy-looking Esprit. I've never been able to warm up to it. The stock car has a humpback and looks almost like the fusion of two different cars. The example pictured above looks okay, though—the flares help and most racers are more ungainly-looking than their roadgoing versions (function over form!) anyway, so on the track no one's the wiser, so to speak.

[Patick]

I don't think you can look at a Europa and straight-faced say that it's an attractive car. Front two-thirds, yes. Everything below the beltline, sure. Those rear sail panels are eternally awkward, though.

The flares on this one do kind of mitigate the effect somehow, though. That is a pleasantly nasty-looking machine.

In any case it's the kind of car that one appreciates by driving it instead of looking at it, which may be the bigger victory. And if the looks keep the price in check, so much the better.

[Bradley Price]

Fair points, my friend!

[davidedegiorgi]

I love the Europa. I used to hate it, now that rear end seems purposeful and quirky. I've been chasing a driver for ages, but many people told me to look out for very bad construction and assembly issues, which makes sense knowing lotus in those years.I think getting one as race car is a very nice way to go since that would fix any sort of bad issue the car must have. I wonder what can be done with that renault engine. Please stay away from me with the american tantrum "engine swap". Really hate that.

[george]

I think the original concept (type 46) was the purest form in the series .and to my eye the best looking .the r16 motor did not fully exploit the capabilities but even so a properly set up europa will astound you on a twisty 2 lane . If you have the money, a type 47 , the racing variant is the ultimate . Type 46 style with formula 2 drive train and suspension. Very cool siting on 8 & 10 inch pin drive magnesium wheels with alloy spinners . Liked the 46 enough to buy one, timing was never good on a 47 so ended up with a 26r for the track.

[Mario Carneiro Neto]

I've heard if you're taller than 5 ft 8 don't bother trying to get into one of these.

There are better looking and better driving (yes, driving) cars for Europa money, I think.

[Nigel]

I had 3 Europas, they were very very good cars, especially for the price.
Easy to work on inexpensive to repair, the best seats just about that I have sat in from that era, and fantastic to drive.
Anyone who can criticise without actually owning or driving one doesn't know what they are talking about.
I was inspired to buy my first one by the journalist DSJ, find his Europa article from the Europa site and read it.
Low cd, economical, fast, mid engine, long supple suspension, covering long distances without fatigue
I still miss the joy of ownership today.
Maybe not as good looking as it should be, but sit inside and look out.
Regards
Nigel

[john]

Love em. Do I really NEED a reason? Have always liked the cars - especially ones with Twin Cams. i think the 'notched down' quarters look better and add more form than the S1 and S2. And Oh Lord...the S1 with the bonded body on chassis... no thanks.
Agree that they look even better though lowered with flares. Am currently trying to talk myself out of buying a 73 JPS ; a Lotus with all its maintenance needs is just not what I need right now, but this is a nice car and I've always wanted one... my wife keeps reminding me of all the fettling my Elan required tho...

[Aurelista]

I love them, of course! At the beginning of my ownership I was sometimes near to burn down the car because of stupid breakdowns. I am older now...
The construction has something of a simple ingenuity; just think at the air-plenum-chamber of the ventilation-system! It works perfectly even in hot summer, running on a highway.
Responsiveness of steering and cornering abilities are a dream and because of the mid-engine concept you become educated to a responsible driver: don't touch the limit on public roads! You will not catch it... As Paul Frere wrote in his test of the car:it is the closest to a race car on public roads.
Personally, I agree with George: for me, the 46 (and 47) have the purest line (I don't consider practicability...). My Europe is a S2 with BDA-engine, two 45-DCOE-Webers, dry sump, vented discs all-round, adjustable brakes and suspension, 5-speed-gearbox and other features. Sounds good, drives well and is economic in fuel consumption. Best drive: up the Passo di Stelvio behind a 250 SWB, Aluminium-body; you could go the pace with the Europa.

Regards

Aurelista

[Bradley Price]

Thanks for sharing, guys! Now I want one even more badly~

[Marty D]

My friend just hipped me to your site--really enjoying it.

I had to chime in on the Lotus debate, esp'ly as a race car. I believe Bobby Rahal's first racer was one of these--you should look up his comments. I recall him saying it was terrible! But at the time it was all he knew. After racing the Europa for awhile he found a new car--and was shocked at how much better it was. Said he'd just assumed all race cars were like that Lotus--terrible to drive!

Tho' he must not have hated it too much--he still has it in his car collection.

However, I agree that they look like a lot of fun....

[69Europa in OZ]

Love them ! Im on my second Europa my first was at the age of 10 when my favourite Matchbox car was a purple Europa it was the car that stood out over all other in my collection and the first choice to be then ones i pushed around the floor
My second one is a 1969 S2 with the Renault engine ok its not purple (white) but its still the car that is unique , even sitting in peak hour traffic surrounded by SUV and other marques that come out of the same cookie cutter factory , there is nothing like it at least for the price .

I getting it with smile and leave it with an even bigger one , I've listen to so many comments about the sails ( bread van ) but you have to understand the design the whole back acts like a wing not only pushing down but forward as soon as you hit 90 MPH the car feels so different and when you thought that another gear ( 4 only on the 69 Renault ) in fact you dont as the whole of the aerodynamics comes in to play from the steering to the extra boost of speed.
Now at 51 the only negative comment would be how long do I have before getting in and out of it will be impossible , to be fair this would not be the cars fault but my own faulty design ( as in bad back and bad knees )