Looks like a later S2 (type 65). The two large square vents in the rear lid are not original. I suspect that you didn't get a chance to see the VIN. The single wiper makes me wonder if was originally a non-US car.

Can't figure out what is below the door handles. I see them on both sides. Looks like damage where the rear bumper was and below the tail lights. Recommend you poke around under the deck lid and make sure the bobins are secure. Like the current Elises, it doesn't take much to damage these cars.

If the frame is good and the glass damage is light, I would but it. I like the high sails. Since there is very little monetary reward for creating an a concours (S2)example, you can have some fun and take it as far as you want. Just go into this project open minded, as it will cost you more than it will return. Poke around on Europa Banks Engineering site to get some ideas.

Maybe, maybe, maybe S2s will begin to rise in price, but the polarizing looks will likely keep them affordable.

Once the attach dogs are clear, it would be good to see how the rotory conversion was executed.

Good luck. - Dean

A Series 2 by the looks. Pannel fit and doors look O.K. (although you will not know till you open them), ride height looks O.K. Paint looks a bit knackered - but cannot see stress cracks in the photos. There are a couple extra vent holes in the rear pannel.

Price? Heck - I don't know. I think it would depend on the condition of the chassis and mechanicals. If the "Y" is rusted out - big bucks. I think you should take a pretty good look underneath, and check wheel bearing (esp rear), brakes, transaxle etc. before diving in.

As with any old Brit car - a cheap car now can end up being very expensive in the long run!

Rob.

I'd pass.

Well, the owner called today....We agreed on what I think is a very fair price, so assuming all goes as planned it'll be in my hands in a week or so. TR6 was picked up Saturday, Sunday I bought something else....that free parking spot just never will be empty.

The owner does have the original rear bumper, and some other parts; replacement door hinges(one is broken) and some other small things.
I am going to attempt to get the mazda engine running and driveable, but if not does anyone know where I could source an original europa motor...Also, the reason the car was parked at this shop is b/c it needed some tranny work...the original transmission is in place, but needed worked according to the owner....I moved the shifter around and it seems to go into all gears nicely, but kinda sloppy...so if I can find a good used replacement tranny somewhere that would be great...anyone have any parts sources for these things??

Try Dave Bean Engineering,San Andreas,CA,
or JAE in Goleta,CA.

- Doug

It's likely the only thing that the transmission needs are the shift linkage rod ends replaced and linkage adjusted.

Thanks guys....The reason I wasn't too concerned with the tranny issue is because I figured it was probably something minor like linkages or just lack of proper maintence that might have been the problem.

Woo hoo. Gotta get some pictures up soon. I can't wait to see this thing. Thosa rotaries can be made to put out all kinds of power.

I posted a few pics a page back, but I'll be sure to get some more(especially of the engine compartment) as soon as I get the car in my hands.

I was wondering....Given that this rotary has been sitting 4 years, should I do anything to it before attempting to start it other than I would do with a normal engine??

I hadn't noticed your pics in the previous post until today. I think you got a good deal at whatever you paid for it, and it sounds like less than the asking price. The body looks straight, and it's in one piece. Have fun with it. I'll echo the earlier post about the Lotus Europa group and Jerry's web site. They are an invaluable source of information. Anything you run into during your work will likely have already been encountered.

Meh... like door hinges. With sandpaper locating washers... THAT's an interesting li'l job.



...ya don't wanna hear MY suggestion...

Now that you're committed, treat it as you would any engine having sat dormant for a while. I'd toss some Marvel oil down th' plug hole(s) & turn it by hand a bit.

I've been tothe eruopa group, but need to find my yahoo I.D before I can register...Also found a site with a europa registry and alot of other info thats been very helpful.

Yeah Doc, I know....I am not crazy about rotary either, but worse case scenerio; It won't run and I have to find something else to drop in there.

I've got manuals, parts books, tech bulletins, collections of "Re-marque" and "Lotus West" newsletters dating from "th' day". Along with having both sold 'em NEW and wrenching on them after that for a PA dealership. Just an FYI.

Great too know....I am sure I'll have alot of questions/problems once I get into it.

Actually there is almost as large a "clan" of rotary fanatics are there are Lotus zealots.

Grassroots Motorsports did an article about installing a Mazda rotary(I still prefer Wankel design in cataloguing engine type) in a spitfire(I believe) several years ago. That article did include a number of references to rotary folks. Might wanna research that if you can.