2007 Lotus Europa S

Highlights

• Rare when new, and even rarer now
• Extensive mechanical improvements
• Dyno tested to 297 bhp
• Superb interior trim
• Magnetic Blue paint in great condition

Overview

The Europa name was revived by Lotus in 2006, having had a previous life in the 1960s and 70s. This new two-litre car was intended to be slightly more touring-focused than the Elise, with luxuries like carpets and air conditioning. It was powered by a two-litre Vauxhall engine mounted at the rear, and the styling certainly showed that it meant business.

Sadly the Europa didn’t sell hugely well, with only around 460 being produced in total. So today — now that this model has become appreciated as a desirable grand tourer — it has considerable rarity value. You won’t be very likely to pull up next to one at a petrol station.

This particular Europa has been the subject of considerable improvement by current and previous owners. But this isn’t a boy-racer bodge job. It has evidently been very carefully thought out and the modifications are discreetly hidden away so you would be forgiven for thinking it’s a completely standard car.

The engine has been tested to 297 bhp on the dyno, with improvements to the exhaust system, turbo, manifold, air filter, and much more. The suspension has been upgraded, as well as the clutch and flywheel.

So if you’re looking for a well-tweaked example of this rare beast, then this Europa offers a lot of performance for such a small, lightweight car.

History and documentation

• Registered 20 Jun 2007
• One of around 460 Europas produced
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Nov 2007 @ 1,563 miles, Jul 2008 @ 5,816 miles, Jun 2009 @ 7,737 miles, Jun 2010 @ 16,506 miles, Mar 2011 @ 25,684 miles, Aug 2011 @ 29,128 miles, Feb 2012 @ 34,726 miles, Feb 2013 @ 38,941 miles
• Additional service stamps attached as follows: Oct 2018 @ 41,65 miles, Nov 2019 @ 56,017 miles, Dec 2020 @ 56,597 miles, Nov 2021 @ 56,913 miles
• In Dec 2023 the seller reports that they serviced the car themself
• Original Lotus document wallet with owner’s handbook
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 6 Dec 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Stepping into this Europa over the sizeable sills, the cabin is well presented and it’s easier to get in and out of than an Elise
• Leather-trimmed bucket seats
• The upholstery remains in excellent condition throughout
• The vendor reports that there is no damage to the interior, and no rips in the upholstery
• Wide sills pleasantly free from scuffs and scrapes
• Carpeted footwells
• The leather continues onto the door cards and centre console
• Leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel
• Air conditioning not currently working
• The dashboard is uncluttered: just some heater vents, control knobs and the stereo
• Large instruments
• JVC stereo with Bluetooth
• Headlining in very good condition
• Fully carpeted boot to the rear
• Enough room for a weekend’s worth of luggage

Exterior

• B100 Magnetic Blue paint
• The paint is in very good condition, with no significant scratches or damage reported
• It retains a deep shine, and good colour
• There are a few small, unobtrusive stonechips
• Glass fibre body panels appear to be straight
• 17-inch Team Dynamic Motorsport alloy wheels
• The wheels were professionally refurbished in Mar 2022, and remain very smartly finished in charcoal/anthracite
• Bright yellow brake callipers
• Lotus badges present front and rear
• Rear spoiler
• Headlight lenses clear and bright
• Rear parking sensors
• Centre-exit exhaust with chrome tips
• The underside of the car is very clean

Mechanical

• 1,998 cc four-cylinder engine
• Rear-mid engine, transverse mounted
• The engine bay is extremely clean and tidy
• There is an invoice on file for a dyno tune in Feb 2020, with test chart attached
• Engine output measured at 301 hp (297 bhp) and 341 Nm (252 lb ft)
• The seller tells us that the 0-60 mph time is a little quicker than the stated 3.9 seconds
• Six-speed manual transmission
• The engine is proudly displayed through the rear windscreen
• Timing belt and water pump replaced in Sep 2021
• A full turbo-back exhaust system was fitted in Oct 2016, at a cost of £1,030
• The vendor lists the following modifications carried out by a previous owner between 2015 and 2017: adjustable damping with Nitron shock absorbers and stronger springs, new brake discs and pads front and rear, full steering geometry setup, Vauxhall VXR turbo and manifold, Powerflow 3” stainless steel sports exhaust with a 100-cell sports catalytic converter, Turbo Actuator replaced with a forged unit, dump valve upgraded to a stronger aluminium unit, Vauxhall VXR clutch and solid flywheel, K&N air filter
• The battery was reportedly replaced in Dec 2023
• The seller notes the following: “Due to the 100-cell Sports CAT, the Engine management light illuminates periodically, after about 3-drives (Code error P0141), which is easily reset. The vehicle runs perfectly fine with this error and it’s probably due to a faulty O2 sensor”

Summary

Clearly this Europa has been well cared for and subtly and substantially improved. It’s a superb example of this rare beast which will liven up any journey, short or long.

A step up from an Elise in both comfort and power, it has a wider operating window and is also rare enough to make new friends wherever you go.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Newport, Gwent.