Leboncoin.fr

[Bodzer]

A neighbor who has a small holiday house in France put me onto this website. Leboncoin.fr. Apparently eBay isn’t as popular in France as it is almost everywhere else. This is their version of it. I just typed in Lotus Europe and saw quite a few goodies. For example:
https://www.leboncoin.fr/equipement_auto/1651418279.htm/

[dakazman]

Nice Bodzer, I almost jumped on those but I need a 1565 set.? I will keep searching same , 
Thanks for the link.

[lotusfanatic]

Hello Bodzer,

I am often on Leboncoin.fr as I have an unusual French Citroen car.

The site often has early Europas (Europes) available...

https://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/1715777643.htm/

Mark

[Bodzer]

Hi Mark,

Yes, I saw that one. If I didn’t have one already I would be tempted with that S1 Europe.

[lotusfanatic]

Hi Bodzer,

do you own an S1 or another model of Europa?

[Bodzer]

I have a type 65 S2 but I’ve always liked the clean looks of the S1. Oh well.

[Rosco5000]

Interesting site.  My french is not so good but either Certified posted and ad over there or the site repost ads from else where or someone is running scam with pictures of Certified's car.
https://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/1704879005.htm/

Hopefully not the later.
Ross

[Certified Lotus]

News to me. I didn’t post the ad but it looks like they picked it up from my eBay ad. I don’t speak French so I have no idea what it says.

[EuropaTC]

Google Translate gives the following;

Lotus Europa 1972
36,200 €
11/11/2019 at 12:06
criteria
MARK
Lotus
MODEL
Other
MODEL YEAR
1972
MILEAGE
9447 km
FUEL
gasoline
GEARBOX
Automatic
REFERENCE
s4511541
Description
Lotus Europa 1972, first registration on 01/01/1972.

Other equipment and information:
- real power: 147 hp
- Power kilowatt: 108 kw
- 147 hp. Transmission: manual.


Our solutions allow individuals and professionals to acquire and repatriate an automobile at the best rates. price from seller US. Further information

- documentation
- references and purchase options on the site: Economic and premium logistics
- inspection
- road test
- transaction security
- transport insurance
- customs formalities and payment of taxes
- delivery at home
- FFVE
- technical inspection
- registration ... This vehicle is over forty years old; it is not new and can therefore present some imperfections.

###########

which is somewhat deceiving at first glance. 

The location is given as "Aulnay-Sous Bois 93600" and the link takes you to a location close to Paris and that's Paris France, not Paris, Texas 

However there is a comment in the description about "purchase & repatriate from the US" which leads me to think that maybe they are operating an import business, watching adverts for suitable cars, re-advertising and then when they get a bite, they buy and import the car into France.

Could be a cute little number, no stock outlay, no warranty on condition and presumably any deposit covers the import cost at least.  But when they put the gearbox as Automatic in the first part and Manual further down I'm not convinced I'd want them doing my paperwork !

Brian

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks for the translation Brian.  I’m thinking your probably correct in your assumption, that they are looking to handle the import of cars and it doesn’t cost them anything to pick up Ebay ads to entice buyers.

There are a couple of web sites, Hagerty and BAT, that will list a desirable car that is for sale on other sites like eBay just to show the market interesting cars. But they direct their readers to the real website.

From my perspective what the French company is doing is adding additional exposure to my Europa so I don’t think I should be alarmed. It’s odd they list the car as an automatic in one place. Anyone with knowledge would know better.

[Rosco5000]

Well that’s good that it appears to be a reseller. It’s good exposure for you Certified.  It is a good business model from an inventory outlay perspective. Hopefully they don’t disappoint customers if they can’t get the inventory they advertise that’s all. I would also be wary giving them money before you see the car physically in person. Seems like you could easily get labeled as a scammer if you can’t deliver on the inventory you are advertising. Hagerty and BAT probably make it clear you are transacting with them on their cross site ads.
Ross