Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A superb Lotus Europa S2 recreated as a Type 47 John Player Gold Leaf.
EQUIPMENT
One piece moulded glassfibre reinforced plastic, sound-proofed, safety glass, halogen headlights, steel backbone chassis, race mirrors, mahogany facia, sports wooden steering wheel and gear knob, integral headrests, electric windows, glove storage, heater, variable speed wiper, GT instrumentation, Radiomobile MW/LW.
EXTERIOR
Guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes, Ron Hickman’s aerodynamically styled bodyshape looks striking at any angle. Finished in racing Carnival Red, (Code L05) over Cirrus White (L04) to recreate sponsorship from John Player and the adoption of the Gold Leaf colour scheme which were built and run by Team Lotus as fully homologated Group 4 racers. This vehicle has a glossy polished shine with a mirror reflection and no stress fractures. Detailing such as the Type 47 side vents, black racing mirrors and Gold Leaf decals make this car visually very special. The previous long-term custodian quotes eight weeks alone were taken during the paint process and importantly Spyder Engineering in the chassis work. The trim and rubbers are of Lotus quality and the original badges remain intact. An iconic Colin Chapman creation.
INTERIOR
Simple, sparse and sporting help to explain the cockpit of this lightweight vehicle. Being the S2 model some luxury refinements are afforded such as a mahogany facia and electric windows but make no mistake, the sole purpose of this cockpit is pure driver/machine communication. Europa Engineering invoices totalling thousands include a cabin refit so the fully adjustable sports seats and black carpeting are factory fresh. All GT instrumentation is functional and period although modern touches such as a 80mm Elliott revolution counter with a chrome bezel improve accuracy and clarity. A Radiomobile is fitted and both front and rear compartments are clean.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The rear mounted engine and transmission has been extensively worked on by Richard Winter, proprietor of Europa leading experts, Banks Service Station. The rebuilt Renault engine has been specified at 120bhp bringing it in line with the ‘big valve’ Special. Having a capacity of 1647cc, running twin 40 Weber carbs and breathing through a stainless exhaust, fun is expected! A 5-speed conversion was again carried out by Europa Engineering at considerable cost with upgraded components and a new uprated clutch but smooth operation requires practice with a sharp clutch and close ratio gearbox.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Period Minilite 13” alloy wheels with Lotus chrome caps are unmarked and shod in Yokohama A048 175/60 R13 tyres. Disc brakes upfront and drums to the rear bring this nimble lightweight car to an assured halt.
HISTORY FILE
Registered on the 1st August 1971 this Lotus S2 has embarked on a transformation with its previous owner lasting some 18 years. Invoices from industry respected specialists will reveal the detail and expense lavished on this car and help prove the ‘no expense spared’ mentality to this special recreation. A glowing feature in the February 2016 Classic Cars magazine is included along with the A4 file of eye watering invoices. A superb class leader.
HPI Clear.