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| | View more photos Coupe Chassis Num: 47 GT 85 Engine Num: 1JC4472C1113 |
The Lotus Europa had a steel backbone chassis, a design that Lotus had perfected through many of its prior cars, and powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder ohv engine of the Renault 16. In similar fashion to racing cars, the engine was placed behind the driver and ahead of the rear wheels.
The Type 47 GT, which features updates, modifications, and improvements by Lotus Components Ltd (the customer racecar division of Lotus), was introduced towards the end of 1966. It retained the same basic layout as the Europa but fitted with a lightened chassis and more advanced form of independent rear suspension incorporating magnesium uprights from the Lotus 59 F2/F3 car. The engine was a Cosworth-developed 1.6-liter Lotus twin-cam engine, the same unit found in the Elan and Ford Lotus Cortina. The Tecalemit-Jackson fuel injection system was standard and helped raise the horsepower to an impressive 165. The gearbox was a Hewland FT200 transaxle with limited-slip differential. The entire package was clothed in fiberglass bodywork with slightly flared front wheel arches to conceal the wider tires.
The competition debut for the Type 47GT was at Brands Hatch Boxing Day meeting in 1966. John Miles piloted the works Lotus Components entry and won the Sports/GT race. The field included many proven and seasoned machines such as Ferraris, Cobras, and E-Types. In 1967, Miles won eight more times in UK events, plus a class victory at the Brands Hatch round of the World Endurance Championship with co-driver Jackie Oliver.
In 1968 the car was given approval to race in the FIA's Group 4 competition after being homologated as a sports car (not a GT). The rules stated a minimum of 50 examples had to be constructed, though it is believed that Lotus only created about 30 by this point in history. Sponsorship was secured through their F1 partners, John Player's 'Gold Leaf' brand, for the 1968 season. In proper form, the Type 47s were painted in similar livery as the works F1 cars. The two factory drivers were John Miles and Jackie Oliver, though other drivers assisted during endurance events.
Miles won the 2-Liter class in the John Player Trophy at Silverstone during the 1968 season. He finished 2nd in the same meeting's International event as well. Oliver won his class at Brands Hatch and Croft. Also significant were the numerous victories achieved by the privateers.
This 1968 Lotus-Ford 47 GT Group 4 Competition Coupé is painted in Gold Leaf Team Lotus livery. It is chassis number 85 and is a genuine Type 47 GT. It retains its original chassis, still bonded to the fiberglass body which is an indication that its racing career may not have been too extensive. Many of the Type 47s have been mutilated over the years due to corrosion or crash damage, with only a few surviving in original form.
In the early 1980s this car was purchased from the UK by its current owner. It has been treated to a recent, complete restoration bringing it back to original form. It is recognized as a Type 47GT by the Historic Lotus Registrar and can be entered in 'vintage' racing.
In 2007 this Group 4 Competition Coupé was brought to Bonhams auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. It was sold for $92,000 plus premium and taxes.
The Lotus Europa was built from 1966 through 1975 and was one of the first vehicles to use a mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout. During its production lifespan, around 9,300 examples were produced. Ron Hickman, the directory of Lotus Engineering, produced drawings in 1963. The vehicle sat low and was designed as a replacement for the popular Lotus 7.
The first series constructed was the Type 46 Series 1, also known as S1. The Type 47 was the competition sports car. Colin Chapman, the owner of Lotus Cars, designed the Europa around his 'minimalist' beliefs, meaning the vehicle was only given the materials that it needed and all efforts were made to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. The vehicle was to be inexpensive performance machine. The chassis was constructed of steel while the body was fiberglass. The fiberglass body was bonded to the chassis meaning repair was difficult. The windows and seats were fixed and not adjustable. The steering and pedals were adjustable. An OHV 1470 cc four-cylinder Renault engine and gearbox were used to power the vehicle. The front brakes were discs while in the back were drums. In total, around 650 examples of the S1 were created.
In April of 1968 the next installment, the Series 2, was introduced. Also known as the Type 54, or S2, it brought about luxurious and revised interior amenities such as adjustable seats, wood trim, and much-needed electric windows. The 1470 cc Renault engine was borrowed from the Type 46. In 1969, in an effort to export to the US market and to comply with United States federal regulations and standards, the Type 65, also known as S2 Federal, was created. The S2 Federal featured a Renault 1565 cc engine and modifications to the body for compliant with US D.O.T. standards.
In 1971 Lotus introduced the Type 74 Europa TC, meaning Twin-Cam. Outfitted with a 1558 cc twin-cam engine and a Renault five-speed manual gearbox, the vehicle was capable of producing just over 100 horsepower. The body was enlarged to provide extra interior room for passengers. In total, around 1580 examples were produced.
In 1973, Lotus introduced the Europa TC Special. It was given a Austin five-speed manual gearbox and a Lotus Big Valve engine that produced 126 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took just seven seconds while top speed of the 740 kg machine was 123 mph. In total, 3,130 examples were produced.
In 1975, production ceased.
The first series constructed was the Type 46 Series 1, also known as S1. The Type 47 was the competition sports car. Colin Chapman, the owner of Lotus Cars, designed the Europa around his 'minimalist' beliefs, meaning the vehicle was only given the materials that it needed and all efforts were made to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. The vehicle was to be inexpensive performance machine. The chassis was constructed of steel while the body was fiberglass. The fiberglass body was bonded to the chassis meaning repair was difficult. The windows and seats were fixed and not adjustable. The steering and pedals were adjustable. An OHV 1470 cc four-cylinder Renault engine and gearbox were used to power the vehicle. The front brakes were discs while in the back were drums. In total, around 650 examples of the S1 were created.
In April of 1968 the next installment, the Series 2, was introduced. Also known as the Type 54, or S2, it brought about luxurious and revised interior amenities such as adjustable seats, wood trim, and much-needed electric windows. The 1470 cc Renault engine was borrowed from the Type 46. In 1969, in an effort to export to the US market and to comply with United States federal regulations and standards, the Type 65, also known as S2 Federal, was created. The S2 Federal featured a Renault 1565 cc engine and modifications to the body for compliant with US D.O.T. standards.
In 1971 Lotus introduced the Type 74 Europa TC, meaning Twin-Cam. Outfitted with a 1558 cc twin-cam engine and a Renault five-speed manual gearbox, the vehicle was capable of producing just over 100 horsepower. The body was enlarged to provide extra interior room for passengers. In total, around 1580 examples were produced.
In 1973, Lotus introduced the Europa TC Special. It was given a Austin five-speed manual gearbox and a Lotus Big Valve engine that produced 126 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took just seven seconds while top speed of the 740 kg machine was 123 mph. In total, 3,130 examples were produced.
In 1975, production ceased.
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com