What should I offer for a running 72 Europa?

[HelpMyLotus]

I found a running/driving Europa for sale that has the 365 gear box and the Weber head.  It's in rough condition but I'd love the parts.  He's asking $9,000.  What is the going price for the head/carbs?  From my understanding it's the most desirable setup.

[BDA]

I don't believe any US Europas had Weber heads so that is either a Non-federal Europa (the letter at the end of the VIN tells you the market. R=US) or it was added by a PO. Of the standard equipment trannies, the 365 is probably the most desirable, especially for highway use. That is indeed a desirable setup and would make the basis for a nice "restoration." $9000 for a running example sounds like a reasonable price but I'm no expert on valuations. Mileage and condition should probably still be considered as well as your plans. If you would plan on rebuilding the motor anyway, the fact that it runs is enough.


All that being said, some pictures would be useful and if you buy it, they would be mandatory! 


Let us know what you do.

[Grumblebuns]

As BDA stated pictures would definitely help on the valuation. Without seeing what the car looks like, I wouldn't even hazard a guess as to offering price. 

[Certified Lotus]

I paid $5000 for a 73 Europa Twin Cam with Weber head and 352 transaxle. The engine was completely rebuilt but because it was sitting so long in storage needed to be rebuilt again. The Europa was being built as a race car, but never finished. No interior. Rolling chassis. Body had flaired fenders and all in primer. I sold the body and chassis. Really bought it for the engine and trans. Sold parts for 1/2 the purchase price.

If all you want is a Weber head Lotus engine you might be better of just buying one of those or buying parts over a period of time and building your own.

By the way, the reason I bought the Europa Race car was just for the engine as I wanted a Weber head engine in my 72 Europa TC I'm rebuilding. Engine being built for about 150HP.

[4129R]

To value a car, you have to work back from the end product. If you want the car to keep as a good runner, start at say $25,000 to $30,000 for the finished car value, and work out how much it will cost you to get there, i.e. interior trim, respray and engine build being the most expensive.

Or if you only want the car to break for parts, add up what you can get for the parts separately, and then discount it at say 60% or 70% of the total.   

[HelpMyLotus]

Photos as requested.  I just noticed it has the servos too.

[BDA]

It's easily worth $9000. It's got an ashtray! 


Seriously, she doesn't look too bad and she runs! The dash doesn't look too bad so I take that as evidence that she has experienced some care. Those appear to be original boosters! I'd be really impressed if they still work but if I bought it, I would probably go over the brakes first.


If you're considering restoring it, I think it would make a good platform. Depending on how far you go, a running car may not save you any money but it gives you some options on how you go about it.


Let us know what you do.

[buzzer]

Looks quite decent but always difficult in pics. and looks very complete
what's the chassis like for rust?
any crazing on the body
note the hood has gas lifters and fitted weber head so looks like had some work done.
If the engine and gearbox are good definitely worth it for just those! Add to that the ashtray!

[Grumblebuns]

The car looks pretty good from the pictures, and as BDA stated, it's running. Just because of the Weber head and 365, personally, I would consider $9000 as the high end that I would pay. For that much money, take a closer look at the chassis and suspension to make sure that there is no other hidden damage.

[Tony2ta2004]

It has very heavy rust on frame. Need brakes master.

[4129R]

A frame change is the biggest thing that can go wrong.

I know of a S/S frame going for around £1,500ish.

The work involved in changing the frame is "considerable".

[Tony2ta2004]

Bought the car few weeks ago. Also, just scored a brand new Spyder frame today.

[andy harwood]

nice! all set to start the restore!