Description
The Lotus Type 46 Europa (Europe) was designed by genius engineer Colin Chapman in 1966.
Inspired by mid-engine Lotus race cars (F1 Champion in 1963 and 1965 and Indy winner), the revolutionnary Europa made it possible to drive a "road-legal prototype", one of the very first mid-engine GT, contemporary to the Lamborghini Miura and to the Dino 246.
The conception of the Europe Type 46 Series 1 was far ahead of its time.: glassfibre monocoque integrating a steel chassis, ultra-low shape, 600 kg racing-like construction...
The racing version Type 47 won its very first Race at Brands Hatch in Dec. 1966.
The radical style of the Europa, by John Frayling (who designed the Lola GT MKIV) and Colin Chapman, is a timeless beauty, sleek and elegant. To save weight and cost, Series 1 Europa have non-opening side windows, as in aircrafts (!). This exclusive feature disppeared on S1A/ B and S2.
Of course, S1 are not to be confused with more common S2 cars, less elegant, heavier, and abundantly available on the market. Out of the 500 first Europe S-1, only a few still exist in original condition ; almost all survivors have been altered with incorrect engine or gearbox, "tuning", modified bodywork and interior, etc.
Our Lotus Europe S1 was sold new in Swizerland in 1968, then spent most of her life in this country.
Everything is original, original engine and gearbox both totally renewed.
It is exceptionnally preserved and original, complete with lift jack, spare wheel and owner's manual: a true piece of History and the very first mid-engine Lotus for the road.
