Lotus Europa Gold Portfolio 1966-75

Book excerpt: The Series I Europa was introduced as an export-only model. It used the 1470cc Renault engine slightly tweaked. The chassis was bonded to the body making work expensive and the ventilation needed improving. The Series 2 had a detachable chassis, electric door windows and a better dash. Sales in the UK began in July 1969. In the USA the car was fitted with a 1565cc emission-controlled Renault engine. In 1971 Colin Chapman launched the Twin-Cam Europa using the 1558cc Lotus ford engine with changed styling. Last of all was the Europa Special, available from august 1972 featuring the Big Valve Lotus Ford engine with Renaults five-speed gearbox. Production ceased in March 1975. This is a book of contemporary road tests, technical and specification data, new model intros, drivers impressions, long-term reports, racing.