Differences between the early Europas?

[ACW270]

Dear all, next silly question. What are the differences between Series 1, 1a, 1b and early Series 2 Europas?  I can not find anything definitive, so I imagine there were some interim or short lived changes. Thank you, Karl

[Nero]

The biggest difference to an early S2 is that a S2 has windows that you can actually open instead of fixed ones. Also there are adjustable seats, not laminated in place. And the chassis is removable and not enclosed by the body.
There are probably a lot more but these are the major ones

[lotusfanatic]

Hello ACW270,

The Series 1 cars are only different by small details:

S1    "bonded in" chassis, push button door handle, fixed windows, fixed seats, aluminium dash, Lancia rear lights
S1A: "bonded in" chassis, push button door handle, lift-out windows, fixed seats, wooden dash, Lancia rear lights
S1B: "bonded in" chassis, push button door handle, lift out windows, fixed seats, wooden dash, larger rectangular rear lights

S2:   separate bolted chassis, early cars had S1B features but a different dashboard, electric windows (with a quarter light)
        adjustable seats, followed by several changes to door handles, new front nacelle indicators and further body changes...

[ACW270]

Perfect answers and just the level of detail I was after. My heart is certainly moving towards an early car.

[Rosco5000]

An S1A with an aluminum dash would be how I would have liked my ideal Europa S1.  Those early tail lights are a thing of beauty too.  Good luck with your car search Karl.
Ross

[jbcollier]

The alloy dashes are very susceptible to windshield reflections.  The wooden dashes are much better though the gauge reflect onto the windshield at night.

An S1 is a lot of work to restore as 99.9% require a chassis replacement.  New chassis are not available.  You have to modify one meant for an early S2.  I did an S1b and I love it but I would recommend an early S2 as a driver over an S1 any day.

[Nockenwelle]

The clean and pure lines of the early Europas seems to attract more and more people. The initial car was such a radical and uncompromised design. For me one of the biggest early changes was the introduction of the lift-out windows which required adding quarter lights. They spoil the cockpit like appearance of the sweeping windshield together with the two side windows.

Concerning the chassis replacement I agree that many S1s will need a new one but not all of them. Cars with a healthy original chassis do exist. Modifying an S2 chassis to S1 spec is not a big deal. At least not when you compare it to the effort of removing and re-integrating the chassis into the car.

I drove my former S1A for many years and can't remember that the reflections of the fitted aluminium dash were a big issue.

As others said the early S2s offer the best compromise between practicability and looks. But if you're after the real thing I would recommend to go for a true S1 but I may be biased .

Klaus

[RoddyMac]

Karl,
I'll sell you mine if you're wanting a early S2 dressed up to mimic an S1:



The downside is it's LHD and on the wet coast of Canada

[Certified Lotus]

Roddy, how are you able to have your front suspension so low and not hit things with the anti sway bar or hit your shock bump stops? Beautiful Europa by the way!

[lotusfanatic]

Karl,
I'll sell you mine if you're wanting a early S2 dressed up to mimic an S1:



The downside is it's LHD and on the wet coast of Canada

Hello Rod,

what a stunning car!

Mark

[RoddyMac]

how are you able to have your front suspension so low and not hit things with the anti sway bar or hit your shock bump stops?

Certified,
I relocated the sway bar when I was building the car: 


As for the bump stops, I don't think I've hit them yet as the spring rate at the front (200 lb/in) is a bit too high for street use (at least in my opinion).  But, that photo was taken with the old set of 185/70/13's, I'm now running 185/60/13's and it's even lower but there is no rubbing on the inner arches now.

[Certified Lotus]

Smart move relocating the anti sway bar! I would agree that 200lbs is a bit stiff for road use.

[Broadside]

Karl,
I'll sell you mine if you're wanting a early S2 dressed up to mimic an S1:



The downside is it's LHD and on the wet coast of Canada

That looks stunning with the one piece window and body coloured surround, is it still an aluminium frame?

[RoddyMac]

Broadside,
No frame, just the window.  At the bottom of this page ( http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=497.315 ) there's some pics of how the windows fit.

[literarymadness]

I agree with everyone.  That is one superb S2. Well done my friend!!!