Author Topic: Value of incomplete restoration project? S1/S2 frankenlotus  (Read 484 times)

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Offline lahi

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Value of incomplete restoration project? S1/S2 frankenlotus
« on: Tuesday,September 06, 2022, 05:21:05 AM »
Hi,
I have a "spare" Europa in sad condition. The plan was to build a track toy but I'm not sure I will do that. After all, I have a Europa S2 that's undergoing full restoration and I also own a supercharged Elise S2 (with Rover K series at 322 hp  :D ) So there's plenty of stuff to do anyway. I'm afraid the other Europa will not be finished, or not even started. So what do you think of a value for this car should I decide to sell it? I know it won't be very much, but still.

Pictures added. It's actually an S1 chassis, VIN 460156, but it seems like the car was in some accident late 60s or early 70s as the bodywork is replaced to S2 body. At least the rear 3/4. Also where the dashboard mounts are S2. Doors too. I bought it in 2019 (together with my Europa S2) from a guy that inherited the car from his late father so he didn't know anything about the car other than it had sat in a barn untouched since 1973. I have the original papers for it too. But as I wrote, the seller didn't know any history at all on the car. Whatever happened to it was almost 50 years ago.
Looking at the shifter linkage it also seems to be S2, even though the chassis is S1. Would be interesting to know more about the history but it is what it is. Replaced engine and transmission perhaps?
I don't have the interior or any side- or rear window.

Any thoughts? I won't get offended  ;D  Ah, the car is in Sweden if that matters.

Offline Bryan Boyle

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Re: Value of incomplete restoration project? S1/S2 frankenlotus
« Reply #1 on: Wednesday,September 07, 2022, 05:33:02 AM »
Realistically? 

If the car was over here, I'd offer $1OOO.  The engine is probably toasted, the tranny looks like it was lifted from an R16 (the shift mechanism on the right side is the arrangement for the sedan it came from, which means that it probably has 4 reverse and one forward speed) and the frame condition is unknown.  So, to me, the worthwhile (desirable) parts would be the body shell (a low nose 54), doors, and depending on condition, suspension bits and maybe the frame (depends on how bad/solid).  But even then...A lot of work just to get the juicy bits off for renovation with tossing the rest.

I've seen worse...but you have to ask yourself if the renovation costs (not to mention the time and expense of sourcing/manufacturing/begging for missing parts is worth it or just break it up, save what you can, and use that for your own spares stock or helping out a fellow owner) are worth it.  15 years ago, a complete frame-off renovation was in the 35-40K USD range for a car that, realistically was worth 15-20K.    This one, though, from the photos?  There are some good parts that may be more effectively deployed for saving a car closer to being on the road and in good running condition.

And this is based on my having broken up probably 6 or 7 europas over the years for parting out to various other owners needing unobtanium parts.

Just my opinion.
« Last Edit: Wednesday,September 07, 2022, 05:41:32 AM by Bryan Boyle »
Bryan Boyle
Morrisville PA
Commercial Pilot/CFII/FAA Safety Team
Amateur Extra Class Operator & FCC Volunteer Examiner
Currently working on 3291R, ex 444R, 693R, 65/2163, 004R, 65/2678
http://www.lotuseuropa.us for mirror of lotus-europa.com manual site.

Offline lotusfanatic

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Re: Value of incomplete restoration project? S1/S2 frankenlotus
« Reply #2 on: Thursday,September 08, 2022, 04:24:36 AM »
Hello Lahi,

I have messaged you,

Regards,
Mark 
« Last Edit: Monday,September 12, 2022, 01:02:07 AM by lotusfanatic »

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Value of incomplete restoration project? S1/S2 frankenlotus
« Reply #3 on: Thursday,September 08, 2022, 07:18:35 AM »
Value?  Tough to say.  It could be restored back to S1specs.  Lots of work though.  S2 chassises can be converted to S1 specs.  All S1s either need a replacement chassis or significant chassis repairs so no surprises or extra expense there.  You would also have to source a complete S1 body.  Richard at Banks has retired.  Boss Motors might be able to produce one.  I know they do S2 bodies.  They might have the bucks for the S1 body.  Lots of work?  I suppose but any S1 is.

Offline dakazman

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Re: Value of incomplete restoration project? S1/S2 frankenlotus
« Reply #4 on: Thursday,September 08, 2022, 02:48:28 PM »
   Tough to say,
 Better question, what is your price? I let go a $1600 usd original , yes kick me. I purchased mine 30 years ago for 1K.
  Set your price and stick to it,..on is going for 4k after sitting in a yard for year stripped out. Part it out.
Dakazman