1974 TCS Stromberg 5-Speed on BaT

[Vegantune]

Looks like someone (mostly Bob Herzog, perhaps some afterwards by Ron Kostka or Blair Walker) put a ton of time into this one. Ad says originally green now red, but I believe this car was originally Cirrus White (L04), then green (you can see over-spray from that repaint on the frame in photo 164) during which time it lost its gold pinstripes, then finally red but still with no gold pinstripes, and sold on eBay around 2009. Originally invoiced 6/28/1973.

Overall looks nice with a few odd quirks. Older frame off restoration, includes original alloy wheels & ashtray, brake servos removed/smaller bore master cylinder installed. Stromberg cross-overs removed and blocked on carb side. Not in love with those outside rear view mirrors. Interesting interior redo although not a fan of cloth seats (damaged already near seat belt catch in photos 83/85/86, and the side of the driver seat back in 117, due to the seat belt - it doesn't take much), but color combo looks good with red exterior.

Not sure if side window frames were anodized black, but look painted to me. Front windshield trim is black rubber, but good thing the windshield recess can't rust since that doesn't fit exactly. Surprised they didn't go ahead and delete bumpers to go with blackout trim changes IMHO. States "mileage unknown". Does not have tinted roll up window on left side door or rear window, but does have tinted on right door. Guessing RH got replaced, but unusual to see a US/federal '74 delivered without tinted glass. No mention of engine or tranny rebuild. Spots underneath including bolt heads, frame and A-arms where paint used to be are now rusting. But as Europas go, it is still a nice looking car in well above average condition.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-lotus-europa-9/

[BDA]

Beautiful car! One of the very nicest Europas I've seen on BaT!

[Richard48Y]

I am seriously considering a mostly cloth interior for my car.
It gets just a little warm here in Nevada, particularly June to August.

[BDA]

I'm telling you, Richard, a light colored cloth is the way to go! Vinyl (or leather!) bolsters are good but I think cloth bolsters hold your butt better.

[MAK]

 Since I'm looking for 1 - I saw this on their web site ~ Southwest Vintage Motorcars, for I believe$45,000.  It is now off their site.
While I desperately want to find a good example $45,000 is out of my budget by a lot!
If sold for the $45,000 it would the highest price paid last 5 years.  All of you know better than I, but if $45,000 is the best price then the car should match, and I don't think this is it.  It is not a "badged" JPS.

Lotus Europa (1966 to 2010) ~ Classic.com            
Market trends for 1974 Lotus Europa - reflects sales in USD only.            
5 Year trend            
Sales Count9   Avg $30,639   Lowest Sale $15,000   Top Sale $44,642   Most Recent $31,000
1 Year trend            
Sales Count3   Avg $35,631   Lowest Sale $31,000   Top Sale $44,642   Most Recent $31,000

[jbcollier]

There has been a lot of no-sales on BAT lately.  It's not a matter of owners with large expectations as the bids haven't got anywhere near market value.  Interest is falling, prices will too shortly.

[Richard48Y]

Personally I would be fine with cars going back to the enthusiast rather than hoarded by speculators who just hold them for a year or two then resell.

[TurboFource]

What Richard said.

[Bud]

Agreed 100%

[BDA]

A $35,000 bid came across for this car and there are still 6 days left on the auction.

[MAK]

I knew this was going to go high, I didn't even consider bidding. 

[Bainford]

A $35,000 bid came across for this car and there are still 6 days left on the auction.

That's quite a lot. Quite a jump too, from $16,250 to $35,000, when one considers that at this early stage, it is conceivable the car could hammer for under $30,000.

[Richard48Y]

Hmm, since BAT does not allow last minute kill-shot bidding per the ten-second rule maybe this is the winning strategy of a guy who really wants it? 

[GavinT]

Quite a jump too, from $16,250 to $35,000, when one considers that at this early stage, it is conceivable the car could hammer for under $30,000.

If a bidding jumped from $16,250 to $35,000, my first reaction would definitely be  . . Hmmmm.

[SilverBeast]

I think it's fair to say gregmod really wants this. It's now at $40k.