1973 Lotus Europa Special Big Valve Twin Cam five-speed

Highlights

• Genuine Europa Special with the desirable Big Valve Twin Cam engine and five-speed gearbox
• Finished in black with gold detailing - the quintessential Europa Special colour scheme
• Extensive history file including Lotus club documentation and concours certificates
• Accompanied by a large number of new spare parts and a brand new set of carpets
• MOT exempt but currently holds a valid MOT

The Appeal

The Europa Special is the peak of the Europa's illustrious lineage, and the Big Valve Twin Cam variant is the most coveted of the lot. Colin Chapman's low-slung lightweight was a radical proposition when new, and the Special, thanks to its uprated engine, five-speed gearbox and Renault-derived chassis, is still a very curious car. That duck bill, the buttresses, the silhouette - it's all a very unique sort of motor, pure 70s in its ambition and willing to go against the grain.

This 1973 example is described by the vendor as a very original car that has been cared for throughout its life. It's a glossy, well-kept machine, picked out in that iconic black-and-gold, while the beige interior retains a great deal of character, with its wooden dashboard and well-kept cabin.
Under the rear deck sits the 1,600cc Big Valve Twin Cam, fed by Weber carburettors, and the vendor reports that it starts well, runs strongly and handles with the lightweight balance for which these cars are celebrated. An extensive history file accompanies the car, along with a supply of new spare parts and a brand new set of carpets for the next custodian.

History and Paperwork

• Registered in 1973 in the United Kingdom
• Extensive history file including previous MOT records, Lotus club documentation, concours certificates and ownership-related paperwork
• Maintained privately over the years, with work carried out as required
• MOT exempt but currently holds a valid MOT

The Condition

• Glossy black paintwork with gold detailing in keeping with the Europa Special styling
• Bodywork appears straight with good panel fit and strong overall presentation
• Some minor age-commensurate marks and blemishes
• Alloy wheels fitted with brand new tyres
• Interior presents well and retains a great deal of character
• Beige trim, seats, carpets and door cards all reported to be in good condition for the age
• Wooden dashboard and period interior details
• Cabin is clean and well cared for with only minor age-related wear
• Instruments and switchgear reported to be in working order
• Comes with a brand new set of carpets not yet fitted and a large number of new spare parts

The Mechanics

• 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder Big Valve Twin Cam
• Five-speed manual gearbox
• Weber carburettors
• Engine bay looks in good overall order
• The vendor reports the engine starts well and runs strongly
• Described by the vendor as sharp and responsive on the throttle
• Reported to drive well overall with lightweight handling and balance

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