1973 Lotus Europa

The Lotus Type 46 (the Europa), was launched at the 1967 Brussels Show and was the marque's first mid-engined road car. Power was supplied by a Renault 16 engine mounted in a backbone frame similar to the Elan. The suspension was all-independent with coil springs, and stopping power was provided by disc brakes at the front, and subsequently at the rear as well. The exterior styling allowed for ample luggage space while rearward visibility through the narrow, full-width back window was reportedly adequate.

The 1,470cc Renault engine had an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners, a compact overhead-valve design that positioned the camshaft high-up in the block and modified by Lotus with a higher compression ratio, dual valve springs, a twin-barrel carburetor, revised valve timings, and larger inlet valves. Compared to the stock Renault engine, the Lotus-tuned version produced 30 percent more power, from 63 horsepower at 5,400 RPM to 82 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. The examples exported to the United States were fitted with a de-tuned 1,565cc version that delivered 80 horsepower.

The Lotus Type Europa was built exclusively for export during its first two years of production, followed by an improved S2 form making its debut in the UK in 1969. Like its S1 predecessor, the S2 retained Renault power, but reverted to a conventional body/chassis attachment - the S1 had a shell that was bonded in place. The changes to the S2 simplified and cheapened accident repairs, while adjustable seats and electric windows were welcomed amenities.

The Type 74 Europea Twin-Cam version was introduced in autumn of 1971, powered by a Ford-based dual overhead camshaft engine from the Elan. The Twin-Cam, 8-valve engine developed 105 horsepower and gave the Europea a top speed of 120 mph, a figure bettered by the more powerful 'big valve' engined Special model with 126 horsepower that superseded it a year later.

In 1973, after Renault introduced the 16 TX model with a strengthened 5-speed gearbox, Lotus began offering this transmission as an option in the Europa, along with the 'big valve' engine.

Lotus Europa production ceased in 1975 after a total of 9,230 examples of all models had been constructed.

Lotus Type 47 Competition
The Lotus Components Ltd. produced the Type 47 following from 1966 through 1968, with approximately 55 examples produced. They shared the backbone chassis with the production Europa, but used lighter construction with shorter rear Y-arms in the engine back, a deeper forward T-section, and welded box-section cross-member. Many components, including the suspension, were tuned for the rigors of competition. The suspension used Type 59-style light-alloy rear uprights, with tubular top suspension links, reversed lower wishbones and extended trailing arms on both sides. The front wishbones were fully adjustable. The fixed-length drive shafts of the Europa were replaced with a competition setup with outboard universal couplings by BRD and rubber-doughnut-type inboard joints.

Mounted mid-ship was a Lotus/Cosworth Ford 13C four-cylinder engine displacing 1594cc, and featuring dry-sump lubrication, a Tecalemit-Jackson fuel injection system, and steel crankshafts. A few examples were fitted with Lucas fuel injection or a carburetor setup consisting of twin-choke Webers. With the Tecalemit-Jackson injection system, the engine offered approximately 165 horsepower. Most examples were equipped with a Hewland FT200 five-speed transaxle with a limited-slip differential.

Two aluminum fuel tanks were installed amidship, providing around 20 Imperial gallons of fuel and filled via quick-release fillers on both sides of the vehicle.

The interior was minimalistic and prepared for competition, with a safety harness and fire extinguisher system, foot pedals mounted upon an adjustable block, fixed seat position, small-diameter steering wheel with 'grippy leather' trim, and wrap-round seat.

The Lotus Type 47 made its victorious racing debut at the Brands Hatch Boxing Day meeting of 1966 driven by future Formula One driver John Miles. Mr. Miles won eight additional times in the Lotus Components works engine throughout the 1967 season, winning the car's category in the World Championship 1967 BOAC '500' six-hour race at Brands Hatch.

During the 1968 season, the Lotus 47 set ten new circuit lap records and won its class in the Brands Hatch World Championship of Makes race (again won by Miles and co-driver Jackie Oliver). John Miles won the 2-liter class in the John Player Trophy race at Silverstone and placed second overall in the International Trophy meeting sports car event. At the Brand Hatch Guards Trophy, Jackie Oliver won his class.

Throughout the 1968 season, the Lotus 47 claimed numerous national and club level awards and victories.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2020

In 1957, after ten years of designing and building racecars, Colin Chapman decided to build Lotus' first passenger car. Although the Elite was not a huge success, Chapman continued to develop sports cars. In 1967, Lotus introduced the mid-engined Europa. Though the car was a success, buyers were asking for more power and better rear visibility. So Chapman obliged by putting a 1.6 liter Lotus engine in a slightly redesigned body and introduced the Lotus Europa Special.

With the Lotus Company's long-standing involvement in racing, everything about the Special is geared towards high performance. The steering is light and very direct, the low drag body is made out of fiberglass and the car's cornering abilities are awe-inspiring. The car is very stable and although the seats are not easy to get into, the driving position is comfortable and non-claustrophobic. The car features two gas tanks, one on each side that total 15 gallons, and the car gets 25 or more miles per gallon. The Special also has improved aft sightlines, more leg and foot room, and better soundproofing.

Donated to the SDAM by Martha True

Source - SDAM