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Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!!

RobT

Jedi Warrior
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So the TR250 isn't keeping me busy enough and I need more hassle and frustration in my life....so recently started thinking about buying a Lotus Europa to add to the garage. I know of a Series 2 for sale in good condition for what seems a reasonable price. These have the Renault engine, and not the Ford TC.

So am I nuts? Are these cars really just a money pit? Anyone got an opinion (silly question knowing this crowd)?

I'm going to post this on the Lotus forum also, although that seems to be less visited than this area.

TIA.

Rob.
 

Geo Hahn

Yoda
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I assume you have tried one on for size?

I met a fellow at the Las Cruces British Car Days who was almost born in a Europa. It was a winter night and the Lotus was the only car that would start for the urgent trip to the hospital. His Dad never parted with that Europa and now the son has it and brought it to the show.

To answer your question... yes, of course you are nutz.
 

DNK

Great Pumpkin
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Go for it.If you don't like the power palant, stick a Formula
Ford motor in it.
 

JKB1957

Jedi Hopeful
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Well let's see. It's a Lotus, it's made out of fibreglass, and it has a french made engine and trans. Sounds like a perfectly good decision to me.
 

Twosheds

Darth Vader
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How tall are you?

And what size shoe do you wear?
 

DrEntropy

Great Pumpkin
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Good questions, John!

Dunno which of the motoring journalists it was said:

"You don't get into a Lotus so much as you put it ON, kind of like a pair of pantyhose."
 
OP
RobT

RobT

Jedi Warrior
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JKB1957 said:
Well let's see. It's a Lotus, it's made out of fibreglass, and it has a french made engine and trans. Sounds like a perfectly good decision to me.

And they were built by British car workers in the 70's. So what could possibly go wrong!

Twosheds said:
How tall are you?

And what size shoe do you wear?

A skinny 6ft, size US11 clogs. I forget my inside seam. Are they really that tight? I've only been up close to the later models. The S2 I don't think has the adjustable seat.

Maybe I am nuts?

Rob.
 

DrEntropy

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...better drive one, Rob. The shoe size indicates you could cover all three pedals with one foot if you're not careful.

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 

Twosheds

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RobT said:
A skinny 6ft, size US11 clogs. I forget my inside seam. Are they really that tight? I've only been up close to the later models. The S2 I don't think has the adjustable seat.

Maybe I am nuts?

Rob.

My 6'2" friend bought an S2 without sitting in it first. Had to sell it. I had to drive it barefoot, and I wear size 8 1/2.
 

DrEntropy

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I'm perfectly at home in one, but I'm 5'10" at 165 soakin' wet and have size 7-1/2 feet. Easier to heel-n-toe with your 11's tho, Rob! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
 

PC

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RobT said:
...So am I nuts? Are these cars really just a money pit? Anyone got an opinion (silly question knowing this crowd)?...
Yes.
Every car worth driving is.
Around here? Naw. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

As Nike says, “Just Do It!”


DNK said:
....If you don't like the power palant, stick a Formula
Ford motor in it.
Or a Cosworth!


PC.
 
G

Guest

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

My buddy restored a Europa, he's 6'2". He likes it. Notice I said "likes". I drove the darn thing. Like driving a go-kart. I found it most interesting that the engine is the frame.
 
T

Tinster

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

5'-9", size 8 1/2 shoe, a lean and mean 140 pounds
at age 26 , full of myself driving an almost new
red rocket 'Ropa ..............

wow, those were the days of enjoying the tight fit
of that sexy machine just wrapped itself all around
me like a ..... whoa! -memories.


I say trim yer hair real short, get a pair of flip
flops and trim the sides a bit, put on yer
cut-off jeans shorts and go babe trolling!

Ain't nuthin' much sweeter in this world. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif

d
 
G

Guest

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

Tinster said:
go babe trolling!


Problem is, if you end up catching a babe and get in the mood, you will never get out of the Lotus.
 
T

Tinster

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

Now Bill, I can't say I recall that being
a problem. Lava lamps and water beds- remember them?

d
 

DrEntropy

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

Or have need of the services of a good chiropractor.
 
G

Guest

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

Tinster said:
Lava lamps


Still got mine. And, the beaded curtain for the bedroom door. 'cept now it's over a guest bedroom.


Dale, how was the cruise?? Ya all rested?
 

heliguy

Jedi Hopeful
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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

What did my Lotus owning friend tell me it stood for...............Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious!

But it does corner like a snake on sandpaper........
 

Bugeye58

Yoda
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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

Let's see. No visibility, frog motor, and you are eye level with most vehicles' rocker panels. I loved mine, but it had a twink in it.
By all means, go for it!
Jeff
 

DrEntropy

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Re: Thinking about a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts!

Twink engine is a GOOD THING!!!

And L-O-T-U-S around here has always stood for:

"Leaks Oil Tremendously Under Stress"!!
 
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