It's not easy being green - 1971 TC

[berni29]

Hi

I always thought the Europas were rare, and I am not sure of the exact figures but I believe they were produced in similar numbers to +2 variants. So not so rare really.

Berni

[Cheguava]

Hi

I always thought the Europas were rare, and I am not sure of the exact figures but I believe they were produced in similar numbers to +2 variants. So not so rare really.

Berni

Hi Berni, sorry for any confusion - I was looking at the numbers left. By comparison, +2s are ten a penny!    https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/lotus_elan_+2#!manufacture

I guess I thought more would have been squirrelled away. It may be there are more like mine that was not on the current DVLA system as registered or SORNed until I bought it, or maybe not even still recorded. And given the rate of attrition that has befallen some of my previous cars like the Lancia Dedra, which are almost all in the crusher now, 100 or so left of original production is probably quite a strong % after 50 years.

Makes me doubly glad I got one in the colour I wanted - might have waited a while for another. Even if getting it back to that colour is going to take some time.

[BDA]

Our fearless lsader, LotusJoe compiled production numbers here (https://www.lotuseuropa.org/production_figures.htm).

Less than 10,000 of all models, taking those numbers and figuring constant equal production month to month, there were 438 TCs like Cheguava has built in 1971 and 1184 built in 1972 for an estimated total of 1622 TCs total.

Taking TCs and TCSs together, there were about 4675 total (Wikipedia says there were 4950 TCs - apparently lumping TCs and TCSs).

According to Wikipedia, the exact number of Elan +2s built is unknown (really?!!) but it was estimated that 5200 produced.

I think any way you slice it, all of these are pretty rare. Not knowing anything about worldwide distribution, I find it interesting (and a bit sad) that there were more +2s built than TCs and TCSs but I've seen A LOT more TCs and TCSs than +2s including Lotus Ltd. (N. America Lotus Club) events.

[4129R]

especially in the UK where only 145 are supposed to be registered.

It seems as at the last quarter of 2023 there were 114 taxed on the road, and 31 SORN, (Statutory Off Road Notice) so not being driven on the road.

Since then, I have registered 3 more, and have 2 more yet to be registered, and there are a couple of newly imported cars mentioned on this forum, so I reckon in the UK there are probably around 155ish of all types, S1, S2, TC, and TCS.

[Cheguava]

What seems like disappointing news today - rang Spyder cars to enquire about their chassis reconditioning service. The chap who answered the phone told me their employee who dealt with that had left, and for the quantities required it was not worth training up somebody else. I'll email for confirmation, but it looks like this alternative for restoring my chassis isn't there. 

[EuropaTC]

There was a post recently about someone wanting to buy the front crossmember and weld it themselves. 

https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=5708.msg62196#msg62196

To be honest I think it was priced to be refused and personally I think I'd either DIY repair what I had or go for a complete new chassis from Spyder with their rear suspension mods as well.

[BDA]

I would only add that Lotus Supplies has a "spaceframe" chassis which might be considered an option if you choose to go with a new frame. Their twin link rear suspension. I don't know how their twin link design compares to Spyder's rear A-arm rear suspension. I agree with EuropaTC that a competent welder, especially one with experience with sheet metal fabrication, should be able to repair your frame. If you are handy with a welder, I would think you'd be able to take care of this but I suspect that you don't feel qualified since you're looking for other alternatives. You shouldn't have much trouble finding someone who can do a good job.

[Cheguava]

I'll have to do some more research I think. The attraction of the Spyder refurb was them having a Europa jig to put it on and make sure that you got a mended and straight chassis back. I'll not be racing or trying to drive on the ragged edge once it's done, but the Europa was famed for its handling, so it would be a shame if it drove like a dog because the chassis or suspension mounting points aren't straight.

If it ends up as a new chassis, that's not the worst outcome. Just as well the body is saveable, otherwise we would be in Trigger's broom / woodman's axe territory!

[berni29]

Hi

One of my plus2's came with a chassis that had been repaired and extensively strengthened. Shame one of the front turrets was not straight. I am not sure if it bent during the welding process or for some other reason. So if welding to repair yours I would take good measurements beforehand and also take precautions to minimise the heat to prevent distortion. So now the car has a Spyder chassis. If my Europa one is toast then I would just bite the bullet and get a new Spyder one. They don't seem to come up secondhand very often (unlike the plus 2 Spyder ones).

All the best

Berni

[Dilkris]

To be honest I think it was priced to be refused and personally I think I'd either DIY repair what I had or go for a complete new chassis from Spyder with their rear suspension mods as well.

I would look carefully into this - I have a Spyder re-worked chassis, specific to the front section, (see before and after pics).
It is a great job and I have no complaints BUT knowing what I know now, I think I would have invested more in this area in the form of a complete new chassis including the redesigned rear suspension components including revised rear hubs - this route would also accommodate alternative gearbox options if you decide to go down that road.
Not cheap though. 
Sleurs Motorsport does a very good video of remaking the front section of his chassis - too advanced for me though.   

[Cheguava]

Not made much progress - waiting for the body shop to come and have another look, so just tidying up mostly, and looking at chassis options.

Spyder have confirmed that they are no longer making replacement chassis for the Europa, which is pretty sad, so that option is now out.

Good afternoon Jeff

Thank you for your enquiry.

Sadly, due to the decline in Europa parts we no longer manufacture chassis and parts.

Best regards

Andy

Understandable if it's not economic to continue with it, so will have to look at alternatives.

[Dilkris]

Spyder have confirmed that they are no longer making replacement chassis for the Europa, which is pretty sad, so that option is now out.

Good afternoon Jeff

Thank you for your enquiry.

Sadly, due to the decline in Europa parts we no longer manufacture chassis and parts.

Best regards

Andy

Now that is worrying.... 

[EuropaTC]

Hmm, that's not good news at all. I have no immediate plans to rip my car apart but should I ever need to make drastic changes I would certainly have looked at the Spyder chassis & suspension package.  I'm a bit surprised they have left the market, I can understand why they wouldn't hold stock items but making to order would seem practical ?

Brian

[4129R]

As Spyder are no longer interested in making Europa chassis, is it worth asking them where the fabricator went, and if he has not retired and is still working? It would be good to contact him and see if he is interested.

[Cheguava]

As Spyder are no longer interested in making Europa chassis, is it worth asking them where the fabricator went, and if he has not retired and is still working? It would be good to contact him and see if he is interested.

That is a question worth asking, I will do so and share what I find out. In my original call to Spyder, they did suggest I contact Banks, which I will also do, as well as another couple of lines of enquiry. Staying positive, as there are undoubtedly going to be more challenges ahead.