Special

[Fourporche]

 
Hello!!
I have a 72 TC  4 speedit's the big valve
I also have a 73 4 speedTC special
And 74 TC  5 speed special
What's the difference between the TC and TC special!!
They both T have the big valve engine

[BDA]

Good question! Lotus liked to tack "Special" on the end of the model to enhance appeal. Specials could have a 5-speed but from the parts manual, it doesn't look like the non-Special could. Both could have steel wheels or alloys though I don't think I've ever seen a TC or TCS with steel wheels but I have seen TCs with alloys. Looking at the owner's manual, it appears that the TCS has the updated wiper/horn/washer/turn signal pod. It also appears that the parking brake mechanism was different between the TC and the TCS. There is also a badge on the engine cover that says either "EUROPA TWIN CAM" or "EUROPA SPECIAL".


I'm sure there are things that I've missed. Maybe someone can point out some other differences. If you're really motivated, you can check out the differences in the parts manual!


The short answer is "not much."

[Roger]

One really worthwhile mod they made on the TCS was to increase the size of the inner bearing in the rear upright.
That apart, not much. Except of course in the UK, where the TCS had the high-compression head, type D camshafts, and Dellorto carburetters, same as Elan Sprint and plus2 130/5. About 125 bhp, but not US-legal.

[jbcollier]

Specials had 1.5" wide rear brakes and a hopeless brake adjusting system.

[4129R]

"Special" was in recognition of winning the 1973 F1 constructions championship, sponsored by John Player Special cigarettes, which had a glossy black packet with gold lettering.

 

[Lou Drozdowski]

I posted this in the "JPS Badges" discussion some time ago...and sent the related docs to Andy and his archive quest. A combination of product development and suppliers along with marketing to enhance the standard Twin Cam...wheels, sill trim, transmission, tinted glass, stripes, brakes etc...The Special was born!

[BDA]

[remarking on John's comment that the Special had 1.5" wide rear brakes]

I was sure that was the case, too, (that the Special had the wider rear brakes) but didn't mention it because when I looked in the parts manual, I saw that four of the same part number for rear brake shoes for the TC and TCS - first Item #2. Looking at it again, I see the larger brake shoes listed for the TCS only - second Item #2. That seems to imply that the larger rear brakes were an option(?). Oddly, there don't appear to be any brake drums  listed in the parts manual! I also notice that among the standard equipment listed for my car on the window sticker (e.g. heater & defroster, locks for the boot and bonnet, ammeter, tach, engine) it lists front disc brakes and dual brake booster but says nothing about larger rear brakes!

I think you're right that the TCS had the larger rear brakes, but the documentation I've found seems ambiguous.

[edit] first I forgot to attach the pictures, then when I pasted the copy of the text of my post, it couldn't  be read. It should be good now for what it's worth.

[Fourporche]

 
Wow
I had no idea the car was over 9 k in 74
That was A fortune back then
Thank you so much for all the info

[BDA]

That was the suggested list price. I doubt anyone really paid that price. The price I paid was cut off the picture (~ $6500 IIRC). It was new when I got it but it had sat out in the New Orleans sun and humidity for a year and a half so the paint was dull and the glue in the interior was coming up.


BTW - I fixed my previous post.

[Fourporche]

 
I was very excited to see your post
I just really enjoyed it
I'm anxiously awaiting driving my restored Europa I drive the car three blocks
To my barn
It's been underway since last February
I'm 6 ft tall and I hope I can fit
I put the seat all the way back and it's tight
Anyone know if the seats can be put back further?
Also I'm a size 12 shoe so I have seen pictures where they have bent the pedals to fit big feet
Any thoughts??

[cwtech]

I am 6'-1" and wear size 12 shoes, the same as when I bought my Europa new in 1974.

I have not sat in the car lately, but I'm sure the extra girth and 70 pounds I've added since it was new will prove to be a hindrance.   

[tedtaylor]

I'm 6'6" and 250 lbs and fit comfortably well in my JPS TC.
I previously owned an S2 and now THAT was a very tight and uncomfortable fit !!!!

[BDA]

At 6', you probably won't have a problem. As for your feet, wear the narrowest shoes you can find. You can't bend the brake pedal to the left very far before it hits the steering column.