New member - new car

[Martin57]

Hi, my name is Martin and I live in Derby, England. 

I bought my 1969 S2 last year from Mathewsons auctions here in the UK. While it did run, I was told it was driven off the trailer, it does require a bit more work than I first thought. Heart ruling head in this purchase, I think. The previous owner, or maybe owners as there have been quite a few, I guess wanted a track day car, as you'll be able to see by the roll cage and weight saving modifications. Any way here are a few photos.

I want to get the car back to as near stock as possible. On my list will be replacing at least some of the interior, new dash, movable seats, electric windows etc, I'd like original wheels if I can find any. At least I've managed to find the appropriate Ford bumpers!

[Martin57]

Here are some more photos of the interior. I've taken off the driver's door car card hoping to find electric window winders, but no, removed for weight saving I reckon. The fixed windows are also not glass, probably perspex.

[Martin57]

Engine bay and front spare wheel and luggage compartment. Notice no heater unit - something else to source 

[Martin57]

... and finally the Ford bumpers I've managed to find. Will eventually need re-chroming but I have more pressing problems ATM.

[RoddyMac]

Welcome to the forum.  Were they still filming "Bangers and Cash" when you won it?

From your photo's it looks like whomever did the work was setting it up for track days or racing.  The seats, dash, lack of center console, plus the roll bar make it look more race car than road car. 

[EuropaTC]

Hi Martin, and another  from sunny but very windy Lincolnshire.

The biggest jobs in any restoration are usually lifting the body to sort out the chassis followed by paintwork. If someone's had that as a track car then there's a good chance they've sorted out the frame & suspension, there's no point in a track car that doesn't go round corners is there ?

So you might find some pleasant surprises when you start looking at the running gear.

As you probably know, Banks & Lotus Supplies are the only real Europa specialist although there are others, SJS for example, who will be able to source the bits you need.  And as Roddy says, were you in the audience to bid and are now a TV star ?

cheers
Brian

[Dilkris]

  from a very wet Shrewsbury UK.
You will find every piece of information and advice that you will need on this forum - personally I have found it invaluable and without it I would not be where I am today on my rebuild.
From my personal experience SJ Sportscars are my go to supplier for all parts - their web site is unparalleled by anybody in my opinion - when it comes to engines however there are a variety out there, (but having said this, I am dealing with the twin cam).
God luck with your project. 

[BDA]

  Martin57!!!

It looks like your car is a good platform for a restoration. As EuropaTC says, the bits underneath are almost certainly in good order. Undoing some of the track car mods might be a bit of a challenge but if it were all easy, where would be the fun?

Keep us informed of your progress!

[S2Zetec54]

  looks a great car

[Bainford]

Welcome to the forum, Martin. Good looking Europa project. I understand about the heart vs head conundrum. If it weren't for heart ruling head, very few people would actually own a Lotus. Good luck with your project 

[Martin57]

Thanks for all the comments guys.

Went to Mathewsons to view the car and chatted a little with Paul but no filming that day. I had the car checked over by my local mechanic which he thoroughly enjoyed. He gave me a list of jobs to make the car fully roadworthy but I consider this a rolling restoration. Only major job he did was rebuild the carburettor as he thought the previous owner had no idea what he was doing! A little worrying 

Yes, I think it was set up as a track day car. Talking to Nick at Banks he reckons it is worth more if converted back to a road car. However, at this stage I don't think I'll try removing the roll cage.

I have a spare engine (in bits) that came with the purchase so if anyone's interested let me know.

[Cheguava]

Hi Martin, and 

I'm a recent arrival to Europa ownership and this forum myself, and can vouch for it being the repository of vast Europa knowledge. 

This is your car isn't it?  Sounds like a decent engine.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JvrGv4PgxU

Good luck with your rolling restoration - mine's a way off rolling!
Best wishes, Jeff

[Dilkris]

I wish my car had been in that condition when I bought it....
I am almost quite envious.
Also looking at the Youtube link as above, what is that box section construction to the left rear of the engine compartment? Is that simply to supply a support for the silencer? 

[Martin57]

I wish my car had been in that condition when I bought it....
I am almost quite envious.
Also looking at the Youtube link as above, what is that box section construction to the left rear of the engine compartment? Is that simply to supply a support for the silencer?

As far as I can work out, yes I think that's all its for. The silencer is not fitted very well so that rubber mounting is under constant stress. It was split when I got the car so I've already replaced it, but I think adjusting the silencer mounting would be better.

[Martin57]

Hi Martin, and 

I'm a recent arrival to Europa ownership and this forum myself, and can vouch for it being the repository of vast Europa knowledge. 

This is your car isn't it?  Sounds like a decent engine.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JvrGv4PgxU

Good luck with your rolling restoration - mine's a way off rolling!
Best wishes, Jeff

Yep, that's the one.