whats the best lotus for a project

[simdel1]

im just thinking about what would be the best (and cheapest) lotus for a stdent to have a go at 'restoring'.......i know lotus's are pretty complex beasts, so i was wondering if any are 'simple'to work on, or wheather it would be sacralige(sp) fora student on a budget to be let loose any where near anything as beatiful as lotus.......

 

[coldplugs]

My suggestion is a Europa S2. They're usually the cheapest to buy and are reasonably easy to find. Parts availability is reasonably good. The key, as with Elans, is to start with a car that has a good frame and is as complete as possible. The bodies (of grp) don't rust, of course, but the frames do & they're pretty thin gauge stuff. Not as quick as other Lotuses but lots of fun - just watch out for the SUV's.

 

[simdel1]

alright ok, thanx......ill have a look at a europa then....

 

[78Z]

A 70s Elite is not too expensive either.

You could always consider a Jensen Healey which is much cheaper and has the Lotus 907 engine.

 

[JBsC5]

I'd have to say..for what its worth..consider the full cost of your project..

I love the Europa..as a kid in the late 60's and early 70's...that was my favorite sports car..

Still..your looking at quite a project..

Are you sure your ready for this?

My suggestion..buy one as close to perfect as you can! And enjoy driving that thing..

The Europa's were awesome!

 

[StevenA]

EUROPA...the most under powered of the Lotus namesake...but a ton of fun and fairly easy to restore. Finding them is tough. I too have been in love with Lotus Europa since its beginning and have only driven one a few times. I still want one. My garage and Driveway are full of Mgs, Austins, Nashs, and Jaguars...but Europa is on the "I WANT" list for certain.

 

[William]

Europa would be my choice, based on the cost of the car itself. That or the Elan (original sixties one) would be good. I figure that since they were both available as DIY kits, restoring them can't be too difficult.
-Wm.

 

[74LotusJPS]

I agree that the Europa is a LOT of car for the money. The S2 will be a fair amount less money than a Twin Cam or Special. The cars are not particularly high powered, though at 1500lbs they didn't need to be. The one thing that impresses people the most is it's handling. To get a car that handles anything close to a Europa you need to look at spending several times as much. When looking for a Europa condition is everything. You'll spend a lot more money fixing a run down one than buying one in good shape. Also, there is a lot of severely abused ones out there. It took me a year before I found mine. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask.

BTW, I took class champion in autocross with mine this year against BMW M3s, 911s, and MR2s.

 

[JBsC5]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by 74LotusJPS:
I agree that the Europa is a LOT of car for the money. The S2 will be a fair amount less money than a Twin Cam or Special. The cars are not particularly high powered, though at 1500lbs they didn't need to be. The one thing that impresses people the most is it's handling. To get a car that handles anything close to a Europa you need to look at spending several times as much. When looking for a Europa condition is everything. You'll spend a lot more money fixing a run down one than buying one in good shape. Also, there is a lot of severely abused ones out there. It took me a year before I found mine. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask.

BTW, I took class champion in autocross with mine this year against BMW M3s, 911s, and MR2s.<hr></blockquote>


If I might ask..approximately how much should one expect to pay for a good driver Europa like yours....That twin cam motor version you own..was my favorite car back in the 70's when it hit the streets here..

Congratulations on owning such a wonderful car.

Thanks in advance for your response.

JB