V8 Powered S2 on BAT

[FourLoti]

Anyone know of this car?  https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-lotus-europa-9/

[Clifton]

I have a bunch of pics somewhere but I can only find one now. I believe this is the same car as one that was in Canada. There is a Youtube video of someone asking the owner questions. Same tires too that are very expensive. It had a 4 cylinder turbo engine in the video and pics I have when it was listed for sale prior. Suspensions, wiper above window, all the same.

The BAT seller seems to not know a lot. He lists a f/r weight % but not what the weigh is. I think someone bought it and thought V8=better and had GKN dreams.

[BDA]

It's an interesting car. Not one that I'd want but it appears someone put a lot of thought into it. There were some things I think are missing - a cage, first! I would think that with some tie ins to the motor mounts would be necessary to help corral all that torque. If there are no mods to accommodate all that torque, then I think it was a wasted exercise. There is only a video of it idling and apparently only 40 miles on the track and none of them on video. That needs to be rectified or for me, the question would be does it actually work as intended?

There are some assembly details I have a problem with - there are several places where washers were not under bolt heads - even on the carb mounting ears. The vertical link for the rear anti-roll bar may actually be stiff enough but I wouldn't assume it and it deserves something stouter. I didn't see any safety wire or even witness paint. I didn't like the aluminum louvers pop riveted on the sides of the car. There are some other places of somewhat less concern. None of those are deal killers but they do raise questions.

[Dreamer]

Yes this is the same car originally from Canada that has been up for sale on other sites. It has been through a lot of development over the years. It was up for sale several times here in Canada before going stateside. I cannot find those ads now but sometimes you can find old photos from ads. If you do a search you will find articles on this car. (Click on link) I have photos of this car with a Cosworth Twin Cam Turbo 4cyl. I believe that is the configuration that it was raced in. I wish he’d left the cage in the car but it came out when it went through its transformation into V8 street demon.
I think he was pushing the limits with the GT6 uprights with the turbo and I agree with everything BDA said. I really didn’t have the money to buy the car when it was here in Canada and then go through it to correct everything that I’d want to make right for me. I think the US buyer thought it would be a fun car that he could flip for a big profit. I believe he is rethinking that strategy and is now just wanting out with a little profit or at very worst, break even. This is a car for that special person who wants to tinker and rework things.
https://barnfinds.com/windsor-v8-power-1969-lotus-europa-s2/

[RoddyMac]

The car is on the register under 54 1330, the VIN plate on BAT looks very fresh and has the wrong number on it.  The blurb about Lotus and GKN building A, B, and C before ending up with 47D is new to me.  From what I recall there was only ever the one car built.

Someone had asked about the rear uprights, they appear to be fabricated, and by looking down the list of parts used, the hub bearing/outer UJ looks to be a TR6 part.  Improved versions of those are available from Goodparts (I'm using a set on my current project), the stock TR6 set-up is a pain to "set up". 

Overall, it's a neat car, but I really do dislike when people invent history to give certain cars provenance.

[Clifton]

There is only a video of it idling and apparently only 40 miles on the track and none of them on video. That needs to be rectified or for me, the question would be does it actually work as intended?

I never caught that but I do know it takes a lot of time to fully sort a modified car. It wouldn't happen in 1 or two track days or 40 miles. It may have just been a track looking car. Youtube is full of these show cars with full cages and their heads without helmets are 2" from the bar. More dangerous than no cage at all but they look racey!

[BDA]

Agreed! The buyer is very likely going to have to do a lot of sorting!

I was hoping to see a cage, not as much for safety (does a track car need a roll bar? My showroom stock car did) but as part of a means of keeping the frame from flexing from the torque of that V8.

[Clifton]

Agreed! The buyer is very likely going to have to do a lot of sorting!

I was hoping to see a cage, not as much for safety (does a track car need a roll bar? My showroom stock car did) but as part of a means of keeping the frame from flexing from the torque of that V8.

In NASA, if you run HPDE you don't need a cage, pretty much any car can run. I'm not sure if a bar is required for convertibles. In NASA TT and Race groups yes. Only difference is passing is limited to designated straights. No way I would run on a track with other cars in mine or a track without run off.

[Dreamer]

Here are a couple of photos of the interior when it was a Turbo Cosworth showing part of the cage. I'm sure it was just a four point with diagonal side bars but not sure what it was mounted to. I'm sure it did not tie directly into the front or rear suspension.

[BDA]

I saw that the seller posted pictures of the car at the Amelia Island Concours. That is very impressive since it is by invitation only and it's one of the finest car shows in the US. Clearly some very knowledgeable (or at the very least well connected) people were impressed with the car.

[Dreamer]

I’m acquainted with people who have shown and judged at Amelia Island Concours. Correct me if I’m wrong but the photos were of the Cars and Caffeine event on Saturday. My understanding of that event is that it’s by preregistration not invitation. IIRC owners who wish to participate have to have their submissions approved. Meaning, just because you applied there is no guarantee that you will get to show your car. However, it’s much more open than the “by invitation only” Sunday event.

[BDA]

I've been to Amelia Island two or three times. I didn't know about the Cars and Caffeine. To be honest, I was surprised that that Lotus would be invited to the concours. The Cars and Caffeine makes a lot more sense. As you say, getting in is not nothing.

[Richard48Y]

Sold for just under $50K.
Will the new owner appear here to document his efforts to complete sorting it out?

[cazman]

A good deal for what has gone into this car. It reminds me of the 1967 Corvette Grand Sport's that I see more and more of. Most are tribute cars, but are awesome and bring high $$$.

[Dreamer]

A good deal for what has gone into this car. It reminds me of the 1967 Corvette Grand Sport's that I see more and more of. Most are tribute cars, but are awesome and bring high $$$.

Funny you should mention that. I posted the following comment early this morning.
@mdlazar  you should, (if you have not already) join some of the Lotus Europa groups like:
https://www.lotuseuropa.org 
The forum URL is:
https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php
What I got from BaT was; We are reviewing your submission. So, this being July 4th I doubt anyone is doing anything at BaT. By the time they get around to my post, (sometime next Tuesday) I’m sure the time limit will have run out. Or the new owner will have stopped reading it.