1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam

KEY FACTS

• A lightweight and engaging 1970s British sports car, this Lotus Europa Twin Cam benefits from a comprehensive ‘nut-and-bolt’ restoration completed in 2020.
• It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre inline-four twin-cam engine, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
• First registered in September 1972, this example has been with the seller for three years.
• The odometer indicates 66,590 miles, though this is not warranted.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Europa is finished in an appealing shade of blue with gold bonnet pinstriping, over a cream leatherette-trimmed interior, featuring a contrasting black dashboard, transmission tunnel, carpets and piping, a wood veneer dashboard inlay, and chrome trim highlights.
• It rides on a set of 13-inch KN ‘Minator’ alloy wheels shod in mixed tyres.
• Equipment includes a black leather-trimmed Moto Lita steering wheel, Smiths gauges, electric windows, and a wooden gear knob.
• This example has been fitted with Auto Choice door card speakers and upgraded Banks door hinges.
• The seller notes that they understand that the vehicle has electronic ignition fitted, however, they note that there are no invoices to support this.
• The car is accompanied by the V5C, the Facet fuel pump box with spare parts, and extensive invoices covering parts and labour over the last decade.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: a complete respray was carried out, and the interior was fully retrimmed as part of the restoration.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 1 October 2019 at an indicated 66,543 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass.
• This vehicle is now believed to be exempt from mandatory MOT testing due to its age.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Europa’s most recent maintenance was carried out in July 2024 at an indicated 66,590 miles by Moss Brook Motor Vehicle Engineers, which included a vehicle check and a battery replacement.
• Between 2010 and 2020, the previous owner carried out a comprehensive ten-year ‘nut-and-bolt’ restoration, with major works as listed below.
• Restoration highlights include a rebuilt engine with a polished crank, replacement main bearings and big ends, new pistons, rings, liners, valves, guides, and competition Cometic gaskets. The head was pressure tested, polished, re-shimmed, and rebuilt by Comiskey Engineering.
• Other refurbishment work included a complete clutch replacement, rebuilt carburettors, a renewed braking system, refurbished suspension with all new bushings, rebuilt steering, and a re-cored radiator with an upgraded fan.
• The chassis was replaced, a new windscreen was fitted by Banks Europe, and upgraded Banks door hinges were installed.
• Recent additional maintenance under current ownership includes the installation of a Facet electric fuel pump with isolator switch and refurbishment of the windscreen wiper switch.

SUMMARY

This Lotus Europa Twin Cam is a comprehensively restored example of the lightweight mid-engined classic, retaining its period charm while benefiting from a host of renewed mechanical components and a freshened interior. The extensive restoration work completed in 2020 has been complemented by careful storage and sparing use under its current ownership. A tempting prospect for an enthusiast seeking a head-turning 1970s British sports car, it would make a rewarding addition to a classic collection or an engaging companion for weekend drives.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

Classic and collectible vehicles may have had cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually apparent. Photographs may not accurately reflect colour or condition, so buyers should confirm key details directly with the seller. Unless stated otherwise, vehicle registrations may not be included. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.