Considering selling, but could be talked out of it ;)

[jpane]

 I have mentioned my Europa history in other threads, but here goes. Bought my first one, 4339R, in 1974 when I was in the US Navy and about to be deployed to Rota, Spain. Picked it up at the factory and drove it around Europe after my discharge, staying in campsites with my tent and sleeping bag. (Do those places still exist?) Shipped it home,New Jersey, with 10k miles on it. It was my only car for a year, until I got an old Saab 96 beater for everyday use. Quite an unusual pair of cars to own at once. Sold it in 1985 when we moved to Vermont with two kids under age 2. It was sold to a former classmate with the promise that he would contact me before selling, which, unfortunately, he did not. Around 2000, to celebrate surviving surgery and radiation for prostate cancer, I bought another one, 4158R, from a member of the Yahoo Europa Group. In 2008, it was hit while parked at work. The long layup for repairs probably contributed to the water pump going bad almost as soon as I got it back on the road. I pulled the engine and transmission, and started by removing the head and front cover, bought the Bean cassette water pump front cover. Things stalled at that point due to my being intimidated by the reassembly, plus three more surgeries (not cancer related) over the next few years. I had the Z-S carbs rebuilt at Paltech, and the engine rebuilt by a machine shop here in Vermont, recommended by an Elan owner who owned the shop that serviced my Volvo V70R.
Recently brought it home to my barn. Still need to fit door seals, but otherwise finished. But, I found that after the long time between drives, plus aging, I no longer found getting in and out as easy and natural as I had in the past. I will need to drive it a bit to see if I become more comfortable, but, about to turn 75, so not optimistic. (I am amazed at Ross Robbins current journey, at age 77.)
The car has virtually every upgraded part that group members had made, special thanks to Steve Veris. Plus Pertronix ignition and rebuilt master cylinder by White Post, and refurbished interior with new dash. It was missing the boosters when I bought it, and I never felt that was a problem, I'll have to see how that feels now.
My questions for the group are, where best to list the car, and what price to expect.
Thanks to all who made it through to the end of this long posting.
John

[jbcollier]

Have you tried yoga or pilates?  Seriously, can work wonders.

[jpane]

jb,
Excellent suggestion. I do need to make exercise, other than walking up our local "mountain", Mt Philo, a part of my daily routine.
Thanks, John

[jbcollier]

I'm not quite your illustrious age but I had a series of back injuries.  No need for incense or skin-tight clothing, just basic stretches can do wonders.

[jpane]

I know that  my back issues come from playing rugby for 10 years. I do have a series of stretches and exercises that I used to do every morning. I must become more disciplined and get back to them.

[BDA]

Ex-rugger, eh?! I played for a few years in college. Great game but can be tough on the body!

There are some things you can incorporate into your regular day to stretch. For example, when you pick something off the floor, keep your legs straight as you can and at least get a toe touch out of it.

I used to be able to jump into my car when I was young! Now, I have to adapt a bit.

Good luck!

[jbcollier]

Depends.  With my back, touching my toes, straight-legged, without a warm up can cause (has!) a slipped disc.  Again, depends on your physiology and past indiscretions. I always pick anything up by bending my hips and knees and keeping the back straight.  YMMV

[BDA]

Good point, JB!

[Gary t]

Right on John I don't bend over for anything/anyone.

[Pfreen]

I don't know how you get in and out of your car, but this youtube video shows how I do it.  It does not seem difficult to me and I am 6'-2" and 200 pounds.  I am 64.  I have seen many people get in out of a Europa contorting their bodies all sorts of ways.  Some look amazingly difficult.

I hope this helps.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HSj-3NuaoBg

[jpane]

Pfreen, Thanks for the video and encouragement. I have only gotten into it once, to drive it home. I remember that when I used it regularly, which was 12+ years ago, getting in was an easy, natural sequence. In fact, when I let a friend drive it, and I had to enter on the right, I had to think about what I was doing. On the driver's side it was "automatic". It may feel that way again, once I get more seat time.
Right now trying to fit door seals, not as easy as I had thought.

[Broadside]

I like your video, it looks easier than my Elise. I dont have seats in my Europa yet so not tested it, and its a few years since I last got in one so I've forgotten how easy/hard it is