I bought my first Lotus, a Lotus Europa S2, in kit form in 1971. I really got the bug for Lotus ownership and wanted to upgrade my S2 as soon as the Europa Twin cam was launched. However I could not afford to trade in until 1974 when I bought a 14 month old black Europa Special from Bell & Colvill. To me this was the best driving machine and even when the Esprit was launched I preferred to stick with my Europa Special. So convinced was I that the Europa Special was a truly great car that I still have it 46 years later. I have, of course, owned other Lotuses as well but the Europa Special maintains its place as the most indispensable car in my collection.