Thinking of a Europa for my next car

Hey Everyone,

I am Austin Healey guy but have thought about my next car topurchase. I really dig the Europa. Quirky, exotic looking, and different. Not your run of the mill. From what I have been reading on the boards here is that I should stay away from the ealry versions and go for a S2 or Special. Is there a site to give me some good knowledge about the later years cars std equipment and such? Do any come with A/C? My healey is a bear in full summer. Also thoughts about the car itself.

Thanks

Hey sounds like fun. You better sit in one before you get all excited, they are a tight fit!

If the car is a daily driver, then the owner(s) have probably sorted out all the early model bugs, mostly cooling issues. Try to get a rust free one ( hard to check the frame, but dry climate cars are a better bet..)

Don't shy away from the Renault motor, it is really pretty easy to tune and hard to break. For real fun you can stuff in a Gordini hemi head motor, it's a straight swap.

Things like the dual gas tank are good as well, as the one tank is pretty small ( not that you'd be driving across the States with it). As with any other lbc, it's better to buy something restored and let the prior owner absorbe the time and some of the cost of the resto.

Personally, I would only consider a twin cam. Mainly because its the Ford based devil I know and trust, plus the styling and interior is better. I just love them, but probably will never own one.

They have no performance advantage over an Elan though. Not to mention no convertable top.