There are a lot of things more deserving of waking up in a cold sweat than that!
Here's what I learned about modified/original Europas:
My car is nice. It's not the nicest I've heard of - or seen pictures of (I'd say from what I've seen of yours, it's much nicer than mine) - but it has what I consider nice touches (BDA engine with dry sump, stainless steel headers, Richard's twin link rear suspension, rear discs, front vented discs, cloth interior, burl wood dash, 3-piece modular wheels, etc.). In two LOGs over on this side of the pond, I participated in the people's choice competition where attendees vote on their favorite car in different categories. It's not a concours. The first time, I got a 3rd place out of probably between 6 and 10 TCs. The next time I made an effort to spruce it up - I polished all the aluminum and stainless steel, etc. - hoping to get a better result. In spite of the fact that it got a lot of attention (and even a mention in the club magazine) I got another third! I was disappointed and frustrated and I thought, "What do they want?" The other TCs were very nice examples that were basically stock - especially compared to mine - but I didn't think any of them were nicer than mine. The answer came to me, "I don't know but whatever it is but I don't have it and since I built my car for me. Except for the mistakes I made so it's just what I want." I now have no problem with whatever I get in any people's choice contest I might enter in the future.
Sorry for the long story. The short reply is make it for you. Not for someone else. If they don't like it or think you've ruined a perfectly good S1, that's their opinion. Personally, I like Lotuses, but I don't think they are so special and significant that they couldn't/shouldn't be improved upon. But that's me and apparently you, too.
Enjoy working on your car and driving it when it's "done" and sleep well! She really is a beauty. So far you've done a fantastic job and I expect you'll maintain the level of craftsmanship through to the end.
Good luck!
