Lotus Europa - Somewhat Forgotten?
Discussion
After seeing a few at LeMans this weekend, I forgot how nice these little things look. And after a quick search through the classifieds, 2 things struck me. They seem pretty decent value for money, but also they seem quite rare! With the popularity of the Elise and Europa, how do these compare? Does anybody have any experience of them? Would be interesting to find out as they might be high on my 'graduation car' list in a few years!! Found this one for example:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Looks a tidy car for the money?
Cheers, Euan
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Looks a tidy car for the money?
Cheers, Euan
I just noticed you're at Heriot-Watt Uni doing Auto Eng. Has Bob Reuben fixed that course yet? I was studying it for a few years back in 2004-2007 but switched to Mechanical due to it being better structured.
Okay....back on topic!
I've driven a Europa; they're pretty good cars but £18k it is not worth.
Okay....back on topic!
I've driven a Europa; they're pretty good cars but £18k it is not worth.
louiebaby said:
Dear Sir,
Kindly stop drawing positive attention to these particular cars. I'm saving, and waiting for them to drop a bit more before I buy in.
Only then can we sing their praises from the rooftops.
Yours Faithfully,
louiebaby.
Shut up, don't tell everyone.
Agreed - definitely on my watch list!Kindly stop drawing positive attention to these particular cars. I'm saving, and waiting for them to drop a bit more before I buy in.
Only then can we sing their praises from the rooftops.
Yours Faithfully,
louiebaby.
Shut up, don't tell everyone.
5 USA said:
Ari said:
I thought you meant a proper Europa! 
....one of the loveliest cars ever built IMO. Especially in that version and that colour.
. On topic, the lack of popularity of the recent Europa appears odd, but when compared to other similar cars when new, it just didn't add up in terms of value to those not interested in a great drivers car. By many accounts, they didn't get the drivers car part quite right either... I would still like one though.
vixen1700 said:
Not sure why they didn't sell, but they didn't. 
The usual Lotus reasons, they were expensive for what they appeared to offer (a t/c was E-type money), the early users had to complete the development process, and they didin't offer the practicality (e.g. ISTR the S1 door windows didn't open) or reliability of mainstream sports cars.SS7
Edited to add: I too thought you were talking about the proper Europa, but I suspect my comments above still apply.....)
shoestring7 said:
The usual Lotus reasons, they were expensive for what they appeared to offer (a t/c was E-type money), the early users had to complete the development process, and they didin't offer the practicality (e.g. ISTR the S1 door windows didn't open) or reliability of mainstream sports cars.
SS7
Edited to add: I too thought you were talking about the proper Europa, but I suspect my comments above still apply.....)
Lol as an ex Europa S owner they certainly arent far from the mark. ieSS7
Edited to add: I too thought you were talking about the proper Europa, but I suspect my comments above still apply.....)
Poor engine map (225 update still rather patchy)
Poor radiator/hoses setup (regulary fail to stay attached -with trickle fix updates from Lotus -real fix is proper ally rad with full circumference flanges as opposed to 1/4 curcumference placcy effort lotus used.
Tried to be a GT but really was just a slightly more practical Elise /exige.
That said still not a bad car just poorly developed, marketed (and priced). But nothing that cant be fixed with enough of a will (bar good GT luggage capacity). I hear the Evora V6 will fit , get rid of the cast iron vauxhall lump and it s crap map.
If they'd stuck a good looking body on it (and basically since you are just dropping a fibreglass shell over the working parts, there are few restrictions and no real excuse not to...whatever proton wanted notwithstanding) then I think they might have had a few more takers.
As it stands there's nothing really aspirational about it, from its aesthetics to its perceived capability, even though from a driving perspective I’m sure it is in the top drawer.
As it stands there's nothing really aspirational about it, from its aesthetics to its perceived capability, even though from a driving perspective I’m sure it is in the top drawer.
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