Highly Original: 1971 Lotus Europa S2
This Lotus Europa S2 is a highly original examples with a fantastic history file attached to its Bahama Yellow fiberglass body. The Europa is a memorable driving experience reserved for those of modest height and low curb weights, one of the few times being short and light actually pays off. This particular Europa was used as a high-performance testbed when it came to the U.S. as an official export model, and at one time had a prototype turbocharged installed in the engine bay. It now shows just 7,800 miles, which are believed to be authentic.
The Europa embodied everything held dear by Lotus founder Colin Chapman, with an extremely modest curb weight that makes the most of its Renault engine that bangs out around 87 horsepower. I can only imagine how raucous the experience became with a turbocharger installed, which was courtesy of the first registered owner, a company called USA-1 High Performance, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After their experimentation phase was over, the Europa was stored indoors for a prolonged period, which helps explain its low miles. The paint is original and the body exhibits signs of patina and basic flaws that should never be removed.
The S2 Europas gained some upgrades like actual glass windows that moved (powered, I believe) to replace the fixed windows of the S1. This in and of itself is monumental, as I can’t imagine being inside this already claustrophobic cockpit and then being told the windows don’t move. The car also gained carpeting, adjustable seats, and an attractive wooden fascia for the dash. The seller notes that this particular Europa has most recently been cared for by Jamie Kitman of Automobile magazine fame and his son, Ike. Over the past few years, the Europa has been sympathetically restored without altering its high state of originality.
The Europa has been mechanically restored, and according to the listing, “..wants for nothing” in terms of drivability. The body sports a very cool period-correct decal that is weathered in spots but still visible enough to hopefully dissuade anyone from painting it. One other notable change about the S2 cars is that the body went from a glue-type construction to being bolted to the frame, which many pundits agree made it a better car overall and easier to repair; that being said, the bodies are extremely fragile, so the next owner will need to take strides to preserved it one way or another. Find the Lotus here on craigslist with no price listed.
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Comments
Owned two S2s and they are interesting cars to say the least. One thing I disagree with Jeff on is the fiberglass is not fragile. It’s much thicker than needed which requires more work to fix any damaged panels. They are fun to drive and I agree my 5’6″ frame is about as big as you want to be when driving one. I’d still have the second one if a rust free Bugeye Sprite hadn’t popped up.
Somehow I knew that had to be Jamie Kittman’s car.
Years ago i owned a 1969, wish i had it now. I feel they should have left the turbo on. No price? GLWS.
Free then to a good home like puppies in spring?
I promise to oil and gas it every day. 😁
What’s with the negative camber angle of the rear wheels?
The slight negative camber is common on a lot of cars as a handling improvement. The Europas and many other cars with independent rear suspensions like our Mini Cooper benefit from it. The front wheels on both of my Europas had a one degree camber out front.
I still have my 71 Europa I bought in 1973. The power windows are nice, but the wind tunnel design is so slick with the windows down you get very little air. I missed my chance many years ago to get an air conditioner set up, oh well, hot cars can be hot cars.
This is the first time I’ve had a listing in barnfinds! Excellent article Jeff. I’m glad you’re encouraging the next keeper to do less to the body. I’m hopeful that interested parties see the beauty in this well preserved Europa. I also hope it goes to an enthusiast driver. The chassis is spectacular. Compliance with lots of feedback. Looking forward to chatting with everyone about this Lotus. Don’t hesitate to connect. Paddock.club
No price listed means the price is ridiculous.
I would love to know the price I have a 1970 that I am going to part with soon.
It is yellow with green striping and rondelles that look really good on it.
Send the seller a email for a price.
There is a good Europa registry on line that could give you a good look at prices. I sold my first one through there.
When they first came out Road & Track magazine said they were the best handling car at the time.
I have always wanted one of these! I am 6’4” and it would be a tight fit! I have a mechanic friend that specializes in German and Italian cars, I should not say this but I have seen him work on several classic American cars. With all this said it was recommended to me that I should purchase some radical Alfa Romero with some crazy number and a name like (2019) Alfa 4 C Spyder. But I am still drawn to the Lotus!