1973 Lotus Europa Coupe

This 1973 Lotus is a racing-modified Europea that was given a restoration in 2019 to its original competition configuration by Graham Collins of Los Angeles. It was originally acquired for private road use before its transformation into full-competition configuration. A Miami dealer acquired it new as a John Player Special Edition finished in Burgundy and equipped with the Lotus Twin Cam engine backed by a Renault gearbox. Shortly after the purchase, the car began its career racing in SCCA events and made its first outing at Daytona in 1976. This experience convinced him that the stock drivetrain was ill-suited to the rigors of all-out competition. Using the IMSA GTU rules as a guide, the stock engine and gearbox were replaced, the engine swapped with a 1600cc inline 4-cylinder engine built by Pick's Racing Engines in Santa Ana, California. The engine was based on a Cosworth BDA block and used CP flat-top pistons and rings, CP flat-top pistons and rings, Carrillo connecting rods and a Marine crankshaft. It was given 12:1 compression, dual Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, a custom stainless steel exhaust system, dry-sump lubrication, Mallory ignition and a Moroso engine pre-heater. The Renault transmission was replaced with a Hewland 5-speed unit. The hub carriers and other suspension pieces were replaced with heavy-duty Formula B components, including custom front carriers, to handle the increased power and the stresses of 24-hour endurance racing. Porsche 914 extensions were added to the fenders to cover the extra-wide racing tires, which received 13x9 and 13x11 Minilite-style and Jongbloed alloy wheels. A dual master cylinder system was installed to work the disc brakes, which featured front rotors and calipers adapted from a Triumph GT6.

Updates to the interior included custom-made fiberglass seat shells, Crow five-point racing harnesses, Moto-Lita quick-release steering wheel, Stewart Warner gauges, and a FireSense fire suppression system.

The car's racing career included a 39th overall in the 1978 Daytona 24 Hours. After sitting unattended until 2016, it was rescued by Christof Jantzen of Los Angeles who delivered it to restorer Collins. Since its restoration, it has competed in two historic racing events totaling approximately 100 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2022