Period photos of S1s being built and a prototype

[jbcollier]

Early S1s on the factory floor:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-XXVpHP3/A

Early S1/prototype out and about:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-FX6Z4fQ/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-kwjW2LJ/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-PrSWhv7/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-MLxJfGv/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-P3JZRdN/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-dCwbXs5/A

In first photo you can see the outline of R16 park/signal light units which may mean this is a prototype.

Note the one-piece door windows, black on the insides of the door, no badging at the rear, oddie fasteners at the front and rear.

Photos came from ebay auctions that were unfortunately too rich for me to get the originals.

[4129R]

 Your 4th photo, Draycott Avenue SW3 is where I used to work in 1975. My immediate boss had a 1972 Elan +2 which he occasionally lent to me, and his boss has a 1971 Ferrari Dayton Spyder which he sold for £15,000.

I first recall seeing an S2 in 1970. I cannot recall seeing any Europa of any description before 1970.

Happy memories.

[lotusfanatic]

Yet more fantastic photographs!
I’m quite sure that is ‘P5-103’ a right hand drive prototype.

Mark

[BDA]

More interesting pictures, JB! Love the hat on the guy on the left in the last picture! No chance he keeps it on if he goes for a ride!

[4129R]

It looks like they are building Elan +2s on the right of the production photo.

[literarymadness]

Great photos JB!!!  Really is hard to believe the Europa was designed over 50 years ago.  Such a pure and clean design.  When I bought my Europa, I was torn between an an S1b and a TCS.  Wound up with a TCS.  Love my car but it makes me wonder...

Wesley

[1970EuropaGuy]

Fantastic photos. I sure love the clean lines of the S1, might have to purchase one some day.

Originally I wanted a TCS but I love the S2 that I bought, that little bit cleaner look is great.

[jbcollier]

Two more

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-Fm7JKBD/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-7XCtb2X/A

[Certified Lotus]

The contrast of the cars on the street vs the Europa is amazing. It’s like a spaceship from the future landed amongst them.

[lotusfanatic]

I agree!

back in the late 1960s, the contemporary cars must have appeared so staid and stodgy when compared to the futuristic Type 46 Europa....

However, when compared to today’s leviathans (BMW Mini v classic mini is an example) the Europa looks like a toy as it’s so diminutive!

Mark

[lotusfanatic]

I’ve watched the photographs as they reached the end of their auction on eBay, it would be nice to get copies - fingers crossed!

[jbcollier]

So far I have "won" two of the auctions.  £50+ for a 3.5" x 5" photo is steep ask.  I hope whoever gets the others will share hi-rez scans online.  So far I have been posting the ebay scans.  I'll post hi-rez scans when I receive them.

[lotusfanatic]

Thanks JB!

[jbcollier]

Two more:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-tdLbHR4/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-pQMHRM4/A

(look to be outtakes)

[RobynS]

Its still on DVLA database