Talk to me about the Europa S...

[barchetta_boy]

Just sold my Porsche 964 C2 manual (fabulous car) and my Caterham super sport, now thinking about getting into my first Lotus.

Love the Elise, but a Europa appeals as that bit rarer and more grown up (I'm 36). I like the understated looks, the shape has improved with age. It's so impossibly rare that it shouldn't depreciate much. And I'm hoping the drive delivers many of the thrills of my Caterham but with some long-journey practicality (ie, you could drive it to the Ring without going insane) and the turbo offers good power and torque with a fairly easy route to 300bhp/ton if I want it.

Having never driven an Elise/Exige or indeed a Europa, I'd welcome views from those that have owned or driven them. It would be used for b road blasting and track days too.

Joel

[barchetta_boy]

Fantastic response, thanks guys. Definitely leaning towards one of these rather than the TVR t350 which is my other option. Scalpel rather than broadsword shall we say.

[barchetta_boy]

The TVR (I would guess) would be more unreliable, need a lot more fettling, real thoroughbred engine that seems to need a rebuild every 15,000 miles. It does offer brutal performance. I already have a manual Porsche 928 with a 4.7 V8 that ticks the big power box, ok it is nothing like as quick as the Tiv as it is far too heavy, but I think the Europa would be a better foil.

[barchetta_boy]

I am trying to convince my wife as we speak!

[barchetta_boy]

In the end I weakened and stayed true to Porsche... have just put a deposit down on a guards red Boxster Spyder.

Will do the Europa next but I think the Spyder is as close as Porsche get to the Lotus way.

Joel

[barchetta_boy]

I know, I know... I have had a Caterham 7 super sport so I understand lightness and the benefits... Guards red Spyder just kind of grabbed me )

[barchetta_boy]

Thanks