1974 Lotus Europa - SPECIAL

General information

Model year: 2026

Registration number: 05-YA-99

Technical information

Number of cylinders: 4

Engine capacity: 1.558 cc

Transmission: 5 gears, Manual gearbox

Top speed: 188 km/h

Empty weight: 710 kg

Environment

Emission class: Euro 0

History

Number of owners: 1

Product safety

Manufacturer: Metropole Classics BV Meubellaan 1 6651KV DRUTEN, NL 0031653328817 http://www.metropole.nl [email protected]

In 1971, the Type 74 Europa Twin Cam was released to the public, featuring a 105 hp, 1557 cc Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine (113 hp for the US "Federal" version with standard emissions control and a Big Valve engine with Stromberg carburetors, until the end of production) and redesigned bodywork for improved rearward visibility. Initially, it was available with the same gearbox as the previous models. After stocks ran out in 1972, a new, more powerful Renault four-speed gearbox (Type 352) was introduced. Mike Kimberley, who would later become CEO of Group Lotus and had just joined Lotus as an engineer, was appointed chief engineer of the Europa TC project. 1,580 Europa "Twin Cam" units were delivered before Lotus switched to a 126 hp "Big Valve" version of the engine. In Europe and the rest of the world, the Big Valve "Europa Special" version was equipped with a Dell'Orto carburetor version of the same engine. It also offered a new Renault five-speed gearbox (Type 365) as an option. The car weighed 740 kg (1,600 lb); Motor Magazine tested a UK Special and achieved a top speed of 198 km/h (123 mph), a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 6.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 14.9 seconds. In the US version of the Europa Special, where the federalized version of the Big Valve had already been introduced in the Twin Cam model, the only changes were larger brakes and the optional five-speed gearbox, which would become standard on the Special in 1974.

A total of 4,710 Type 74s were produced, of which 3,130 were designated "Special."

This Lotus presented here is a Twin Cam model, meaning it had dual overhead camshafts. This is the most powerful engine ever delivered in the Europa. It features a KMS injection system instead of the twin Dell Orto carburetors. This makes the engine run smoother and start better. We also see black rims and leather upholstery. A very nice and good Europa for the enthusiast.

This vehicle has Dutch registration.