Introduction of the Type 352 four speed box

[Matt Elan]

I'm researching for my new Europa book and have run into a bit of a dead end. Looking at gearboxes, I think the S1, S2 and early Twin Cams were fitted with the four speed  Type 336 transaxle (correct me if I'm wrong here!). The Special had the option of the 5 speed Type 365 from the R12 Gordini / R16 TS - Yes?

So wheree does the four speed type 352 fit in? From perusing the workshop manual and parts manual it seems to have been fitted to the Twin Cam and the Special so am I right in assuming it was introduced on the Twin Cam before the Special was introduced? If so does anyone have a date as to when it was introduced (or a chassis number) - bearing in mind the slightly random nature of Lotus's records of the time....
Thanks in anticipation
Matt

[RoddyMac]

I would guess March of 1972.  Looking at the register, cars built in 2/72 had the 336, then the gearbox changes to 352 in 3/72.

http://lotus-europa.com/regtc.html

[EuropaTC]

Paul Robinshaw's book gives the 352 introduction as

72.03...2150R for Federal cars
72.03....020Q for Export Spec (presumably Europe & RoW ?)
72.03...1444P for UK cars.

Mine is 1553P and registered 07/72, so roughly 100 or so after the introduction point for UK TC cars.

If you haven't got Robinshaw's book you really ought to, it's a good reference.

Brian

[jbcollier]

The 352 is a 336 in rear shift case.

[Matt Elan]

That's brilliant - thanks  guys;
I've got the Robinshaw and Francis book - but had missed that bit in it doh...
 

[4129R]

If you haven't got Robinshaw's book you really ought to, it's a good reference.
Brian

I have bought several parts off Paul Robinson on eBay. While I was collecting, he asked if I had read his book. I had no idea who he was, but he managed to sell me a signed copy of his book while I was there.

[EuropaTC]

If you haven't got Robinshaw's book you really ought to, it's a good reference.
Brian

I have bought several parts off Paul Robinson on eBay. While I was collecting, he asked if I had read his book. I had no idea who he was, but he managed to sell me a signed copy of his book while I was there.

   That sounds like Paul...   I haven't seen him for years and doubt he would have any idea who I am but he was in the Midland Owners club many years ago whilst I was a member. He's been around Lotus cars for as long as I can remember so it wasn't surprising when he started writing books about them.   The one on the Europa is excellent, some of the references he's found I've never seen anywhere else.

[Bainford]

I've not heard of this guy or his book. I'm going to have to do some googling and look into it.

[surfguitar58]

I've not heard of this guy or his book. I'm going to have to do some googling and look into it.

If you find it, see if there is an American translation. 

[EuropaTC]

I've not heard of this guy or his book. I'm going to have to do some googling and look into it.

I can honestly recommend the book, it's only a thin paperback edition but it's packed with Europa trivia and facts.  This is what you're looking for.....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lotus-Europa-Derivatives-Contemporaries-1966-1975/dp/0952808617

[4129R]

He drives an Elan DHC. 1970ish IIRC.

[EuropaTC]

And if you're an Elan fan.....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Lotus-Elan-Essential-Competitors/dp/1783180005

That's probably one of the best books around on the Elan. Brian Buckland's manual contains lots of info for restorations but that book was one of the first I'd seen that collates "it came from here" as far as the parts bin exercises went.  They did that well before the Europa one came out but it shows the guy has been around Lotus cars for ages.

(no, I don't get a percentage !!)

[lotusfanatic]

If you haven't got Robinshaw's book you really ought to, it's a good reference.
Brian

I have bought several parts off Paul Robinson on eBay. While I was collecting, he asked if I had read his book. I had no idea who he was, but he managed to sell me a signed copy of his book while I was there.

   That sounds like Paul...   I haven't seen him for years and doubt he would have any idea who I am but he was in the Midland Owners club many years ago whilst I was a member. He's been around Lotus cars for as long as I can remember so it wasn't surprising when he started writing books about them.   The one on the Europa is excellent, some of the references he's found I've never seen anywhere else.

I visited his workshop a few years ago to collect some Elan parts bought through Ebay

I left having also bought a signed book too! 😂

Mark