First of all, I don't believe I'm a hoarder of Europas. I 've sold off the two that I put back into running condition and the ones I still have are not running.
Picture 1 is my first ever Lotus. Purchased during my stint with the US Navy. In 1976, I was stationed at Sub Base Pearl Harbor Hawaii and I came across this turquoise beauty in the local want ads by an Army Captain. Purchase price was around $3500, a lot for a lowly E4 making around $200 per paycheck. Still have it after 40 plus years. Currently undergoing an engine rebuild.
Pictures 2-4 are in no particular order of ownership.
Picture 2 is my 72 Elan Plus 2 S130.Purchased locally when it developed a water pump leak and the owner didn't want to deal with the expense of replacing the WP. Unfortunately, I let sit too long outside before building my detached garage and will need to be looked at again. I should be shot for allowing this to have happened.
Picture 3 is 72 TC, my Cosworth Europa. Picked up from a long time Europa fanatic who ran into financial difficulties and had to unload all of his Europa projects. Project is in temporary hiatus.
Picture 4 is my 05 Elise. Purchased from the same owner as the Cosworth Europa. Not wanting to kick a man while he is down and a friend, paid fair market value at that time.
Picture 5 is my 69 S2. This car has an unusual history. According to the second owner, the original owner purchased the S2 from the Lotus factory while he was stationed in the US military in England. He was told by the Lotus factory that the S2 was a former Paris car show exhibit. This is all anecdotal but there may be some element of truth by the car having the VIN of 2501*, not R as non federal.
Pictures 6 & 7 are both 72 TCs purchased in 2020. The lowered and flared black TC was owned by a good friend of mine who passed away a couple of years ago. I decided to help the family by purchasing the car. The black TC is a garage queen, left in a corner and forgotten until the owner decided he needed the space and put it up for sale. It has some dubious body mods but is not too bad other wise.
My priorities for this year are getting the engine rebuilt on the turquoise TCS and the Plus 2 back together.
