Winning bid
£37,000

1975 Lotus Europa Twin Cam ‘John Player Special

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1 of 250 special editions 
  • Black & Gold John Player Special livery 
  • 1,558cc Lotus/Ford Twin Cam 

THE APPEAL 

The first mass production, mid-engined road car, the Lotus Europe was based on a prototype built for Ford to compete at LeMans in the 19060s. Designed with a Lotus typical fibreglass body and steel backbone chassis. The lightweight racer was an agile, race-influenced road car that wowed critics thanks to 4-wheel independent suspension and initially, a modified 1,470cc Renault engine that was soon replaced by a 1,558cc Lotus/Ford Twin Cam engine. 
In 1962, a big valve special came out equipped with a 5-speed gearbox and capable of reaching 60 mph in 6.6 seconds while providing moderate economy. The most desirable versions of these cars were those finished in the black and gold John Player Special livery, paying homage to the Lotus taking the F1 Championship title. 
Registered 4th January 1975 by Bell & Colvill Ltd, this is car number 206 of 250 John Player Special liveried Europas. Extensively restored to an exemplary standard this fine car has been resprayed in original colours, re-upholstered and has also benefited from comprehensive mechanical works. Accompanied by a large history file, containing service records from 1976 onward, Lotus manuals, sales brochures and booklets, Certificate of provenance, photographic evidence of the restoration and MOT certificates, this is an exemplary example of the marque.
OeGiWJBK2FrRW9KCbarRqTjmgzwfTBjFQ48Q9uzE.jpg 1.08 MB

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK 

  • Registered 4th January 1975 
  • Supplied new by Bell & Colvill Ltd 
  • Car number 206 of 250 
  • 5 previous keepers 
  • Recent extensive restoration 
  • Comprehensive maintenance folder
  • Original manufacture manuals and booklets 
  • Service portfolio with entries from 1976 
  • Lotus sales brochures 
  • Past MOT certificates 
  • Photographic evidence of the restoration included 

THE INTERIOR 

  • Wonderfully retrimmed to original grandeur 
  • A luxurious blend of light beige leather and carpet 
  • Walnut veneer 
Gloriously presented, the interior of the Lotus is in excellent condition. Recently reupholstered, the stunning cockpit is a wonderful fusion of sporty functionality and luxury. A walnut dash flows elegantly across the full width of the car, displaying four dials centrally with the speedometer and rev counter positioned directly in front of the driver.

The driver and passenger are separated by an enormous centre console, encasing each individual in their own racing-style cockpit. From the superbly styled seats to the foot pedals, the interior of this Europa is spectacular and a real delight for anyone fortunate enough to find themselves behind the wheel.
L140dojwQWwFjvt4wx3uIoTa4i3Km1P9UhBMXDR6.jpg 1013.93 KB

THE EXTERIOR 

  • Unique, alluring grand-tourer 
  • John Player Special black & gold 
  • Excellently executed restoration 
Strikingly designed, the Europa is a unique car that encourages thought. It's sleek and sporty with a dusting of lunacy, it's an intriguing car and there isn't quite anything else like it. Undergoing a recent extensive restoration the car has been re-gel coated, and resprayed in its original colours and now exhibits a magnificent appearance.
nkdxID3bepPE5UrPveF54pPGtpZ6DLSoRtcOFDE5.jpg 1.15 MB

THE MECHANICS 

  • 1558cc Lotus/Ford Twin Cam 
  • 5-speed manual 
  • Extensive mechanical recommissioning reported 
Reported to be in excellent mechanical condition the car has been meticulously inspected and recommissioned to ensure excellent operating health. A large folder of bills, receipts and photographs of the restoration is included.
HQFBv3owN3xw0JLOMnZ3zazVuZB2spgDDxjPdZ4A.jpg 1.34 MB

SUMMARY 

A rare British classic in incredible restored condition, this Lotus Europa John Player Special is a head-turning, eye-brow-raising piece of automotive history and a wonderful collector's piece.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Icon

Selling your Lotus?


Advertise to 4 million monthly visitors on Car & Classic

Sell by Auction

Auction Details

  • Year1975
  • MakeLotus
  • ModelEuropa
  • ColourBlack/Gold
  • Odometer98,473 Miles
  • Engine size1558cc
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownBlockley
  • CountyGloucestershire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

25 Bids

davidwo••••
Bid
£37,000
16/05/23
Ivanhoe••••
Bid
£36,750
16/05/23
davidwo••••
Bid
£36,500
16/05/23
Ivanhoe••••
Bid
£36,250
16/05/23
davidwo••••
Bid
£36,000
16/05/23
davidwo••••
Bid
£35,750
16/05/23
Ivanhoe••••
Bid
£35,500
16/05/23
Ivanhoe••••
Bid
£35,250
16/05/23
davidwo••••
Bid
£35,000
16/05/23
Ivanhoe••••
Bid
£34,500
16/05/23

Buying with Car & Classic

animation

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

The safest way to buy classics online

More FAQs

Gallery