Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1974 Lotus Europa Special
""The benefits of mid mounted engines meant they had become the norm in motorsport, so it seemed logical for Lotus founder Colin Chapman to transfer the layout to road cars. The Lotus Europa was the result, developed as the Type 46. The bodywork was exceptionally aerodynamic and the motoring media loved the way it handled. True to its name it was only sold in mainland Europe. The Europa S2 debuted in April 1968 with extra refinement. A new variant aimed at the North American market arrived in 1969, followed by the Europa Twin Cam in 1971 and the Europa Special in 1972. Each version built on customer feedback, enhancing the specification, improved comfort and refinement, and building further credibility in Chapman's road cars."" Thx media.lotuscars.com
For consignment, a 1974 Lotus Europa special with a title verified 62,400 actual miles. The car was painted in 2017 and underwent a refurbishment process that lasted from 2018 to 2021. Just 1,466 Europa Specials were built in '74 and less than 5,000 during the run of twin cam variants which were produced from '71 to '74.
Exterior
It's hard to argue with the fine choice here, Cirrus White paint accented by a painted red racing stripe that begins on the nose piece, rides the roof and spills down to the decklid, highlighting the proportions and unusual, and unmistakable shape, of the Europa. Flying buttresses were reduced after '72 but still present here, originally the catalyst for the car's nickname, the ""bread van"". Between these pillars is the notably narrow rear window looking back on an integrated rear rise which enhances the long flat rear section of the car. The Lotus is remarkably low and the shoulder line, of course, is even lower which results in shallow doors, a steeply raked windshield, and a nose that descends between rounded fenders that contour around the headlights in front. In back, the modest gray bumper is actually above the tail lights which are simple, split wide units on a narrow valance. 13-inch wheels, argent gray like the bumpers, mirrors, vents, and door handles, carry 70 series tires. Imperfections include a chip in the gray bumper paint, cracking paint and filler in the corner of a door, and a scuff on a wheel opening arch.
Interior
The door panels are finished nicely in black vinyl with red stitching and a gray gap that does not provide a storage pocket, but allows for some elbow room in the cozy cabin. The same colors are used on the sport bucket seats, low to the floor and configured as gray inserts surrounded by black vinyl cushions and both are in very good shape. The red stitched 3 spoke steering wheel gives way to basic gauges behind a gray painted panel, breaking up the black faced dial with a visible red line on the tach. Red stitched black vinyl also covers the center console, loose in some place, but clean and intact and housing a wood knobbed shifter sporting the Lotus logo and power window switches, just in front of an AM/FM/Cassette radio. Low pile gray carpet is in good general condition and lines the narrow footwells. We note some peeling of the black vinyl on the A-pillar, but the gray headliner is in excellent condition. There is a small plastic lined storage area in the back which we find tidy and clean.
Drivetrain
Mid mounted is a 1588cc DOHC inline 4 cylinder, and the more powerful Big Valve engine as it is known, puts out 113 horsepower. It is fueled by a pair of Zenith Stromberg CD2SE carburetors and backed by a 5-speed manual transaxle with 3.77 rear gears. The engine compartment is clean and as engines go, this is a good looking unit with ribbed cam covers and side mounted twin carbs, along with heat wrapped headers. When it was overhauled, it received a new crankshaft, flywheel, bearings, and gaskets. Brakes here are configured as front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Clean underneath with belly pans that take up some real estate, minimal surface rust, and no apparent leaks. The single exhaust flows to a stock style muffler, then exits via a steel pipe through a contoured cove in the valance. Independent coil over suspension is supplied front and rear.
Drive-Ability
They say Miatas are like driving go karts, but getting into this car is the closest thing we've experienced since the Rupp Dart we drove as kids. Once in, there's room to move around and shift the car which eagerly starts and rolls onto the test loop. Acceleration is quite good and enhanced by the low, low center of gravity and proximity to the ground, like a real race car! The turn signals are not working, nor is the radio and finally, the heater blower is non functional. All other items on board that do a job are working! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Europas are rare and desirable and later models such as this '74 are even more coveted than the early ones as improvements were made over the years and the cars were afforded with more power. This is a very fine example and will save you months of headaches in working to restore one. Here, the sorting out has been done for you and you and enjoy this legendary sports car tomorrow! But only if you call the mall today.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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Year: | 1974 |
Make: | Lotus |
Model: | Europa |
Mileage: | 62400 |
Exterior Color: | Cirrus White |
Interior Color: | Black |
Trim: | Special |
Body: | coupe |
Stock: | 7329 |
Engine Size: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | 5 Speed Manual |
Vin: | 74034363R |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
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