1970model Lotus Europa S2 Type-54 - エステートセールスプレマシー

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1970model

Lotus Europa S2 Type-54

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Under the care of a passionate owner who has paid meticulous attention to detail, this remarkable 1970 Lotus Europa S2 has been brought back to life, fully evoking the essence of its original era. This exceptional vehicle showcases the owner’s great taste and dedication, allowing enthusiasts to experience the full charm of the iconic original Europa design. The revival of this classic not only highlights its aesthetic beauty but also reinforces the timeless appeal of Lotus’s engineering and artistry. Every curve and line reflects the dedication to preserving its heritage, making it a true masterpiece for both collectors and driving enthusiasts alike.

That overwhelmingly low body…
The compact Lotus Europa S2 possesses an extraordinary presence. Its bright yellow body, free from any surface paint cracks due to aging typical of FRP, reflects the remaining summer air, radiating a unique aura as it quietly stands still. It was nothing short of magnificent.

While the Europa’s inherently slightly nose-up style was enhanced by the owner’s good taste, using adjustable Konis to achieve a well-balanced and even lower stance, the rare vintage Dunlop racing tires (CR65 450M-13) give it a look reminiscent of classic racers, leaving one in tears of admiration.

The owner’s sensibility is remarkable, having refined the Europa S2 with subtle modifications while retaining the completely original style, surpassing the original. The rear features original steel wheels that were cut and widened from 4.5J to 5.5J, showcasing that alluring style unique to the Europa, with a slight adjustment moving the rear dampers back. This is a perfect blend of respecting the original while further elevating its captivating style. Once again, I felt the full charm of Colin Chapman’s original Europa design through the owner’s meticulous sensibility.

The original brass door hinges have been replaced to ensure the doors do not drop, and when opening the lightweight doors to step into the very tight cockpit, one finds that aside from a modern electric fan and a battery cut-off switch placed in unseen locations, everything else remains purely original. The interior evokes the world of 1970. It’s as if the Lotus Europa does not require a modern audio system at all; the inner door panels have been replaced with new, speaker-less ones, and the now very rare slender S2 original steering wheel enhances the captivating atmosphere!

“Since I had Horikawa write the manuscript, enjoy it to the fullest!” Thanks to the owner’s generosity, I was able to indulge in a brief solo drive!

To operate the rear transmission, the shifting sensation through the very long linkage can often be described as vague in many reviews. However, in a well-maintained Europa, that notion is out of the question. Due to the high center tunnel, the elbow rests horizontally, and from that position, the short stroke shifts with a satisfying click—click feel, embodying the essence of racing formulas once one becomes accustomed to understanding the linkage’s movement, making it addictive!

Considering the vehicle class, the original 680kg Europa delivers a driving experience that is more akin to a formula car than a Super Seven, and I’ve often heard that the original 1470cc Renault OHV turn-flow engine is the best. Just recently, the completely original engine finished a long-term overhaul, and the French Solex carburetor setting is spot on. The moment it begins to move, one can feel the “lightness,” and along with the supple frame, the thrillingly sharp and responsive handling feels like pure road-going formula racing. It truly delivers an enchanting feeling!

The enchanting experience of driving a vintage Lotus Europa..

In the 1960s, in stark contrast to large corporations like Mercedes-Benz that systematically participated in racing to promote the allure of their production cars, Lotus, a small-scale formula car manufacturer, produced a very limited number of road cars from a completely opposite perspective. They occasionally made street-legal Lotus vehicles, deriving funding from successful racing performances, thus providing a supreme driving experience to the limited enthusiasts of the time who could obtain such cars. Each time I come into contact with a vintage Lotus Europa, I can’t help but feel, “It’s amazing that they managed to produce 9,230 units of this car back then…”

The Europa, with its unique design derived from formula cars and exuding an aura of distinctiveness, is now a critically endangered species. Half a century has passed since its release, and as of 2024, even in its home country of the UK, the registration numbers for the S2 are down to 29 with 18 de-registered. The twin cam has 66 registered and 36 de-registered, while the special version has 66 registered and 31 de-registered, showcasing a dramatic decrease in the number of existing units.

Excerpt from the UK site “How many left”
How Many Left – Lotus Europa S2

Naturally, touching a vintage Lotus that has been meticulously crafted just like back in the day provides a distinctly different feeling compared to other production cars. It allows one to time travel back to experience the aesthetics of a bygone era. Driving a vintage Lotus Europa is the clearest way to connect with Colin Chapman’s aesthetic and philosophy, encapsulating the engineering, design, and feeling of 1960s Britain.

The development code “Type 46” — the Lotus Europa, unveiled in December 1966, is an extraordinarily original car designed and manufactured in line with Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify and add lightness.”

By the mid-1960s, the mid-engine vehicle configuration had already established itself as the ideal layout for formula cars, yet it was still rarely adopted for street-legal cars. The mid-engine layout, which mounted the engine in reverse and directly connected the transmission, eliminating even the need for a driveshaft, was a perfect project for Chapman, who wanted to create a mid-engine sports car using the formula that led Lotus to success. He executed many (! ) creative design approaches, culminating in a series that matured over time.

Initially, Chapman planned to name this new sports car intended for the European market “Lotus Elfin,” meaning “fairy” in English. However, upon learning that “Elfin” means “the end” in Spanish, he abandoned the idea, and the straightforward name “Europa” was adopted instead.

Like the Ferrari 250 GTO, the Europa’s distinctive pseudo-longtail (Coda Tronca shape), often mockingly referred to as the “bread van,” was designed by Ron Hickman, Lotus’s engineering director, when he created drawings for the Ford GT40 race car to win a contract for Lotus. Unfortunately, when that contract was awarded to Lola Cars, Chapman incorporated Hickman’s aerodynamically efficient design, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29, into the Europa, which was planned as a new mid-engine vehicle!

This first mid-engine road car from Lotus featured an improved Renault 16 engine and a four-speed gearbox. True to Lotus tradition, it combined a steel backbone chassis with fiberglass panels for the body, employing an innovative “Chapman Strut,” a four-wheel independent suspension system that simplified the formula car’s components, giving it a truly supple, agile, and lightweight character.

The feeling it delivers is truly that of a “road-going formula” that transcends the realm of sports cars! With a remarkably flexible and supple ride, the moment you turn the steering wheel, you realize you’re in a vehicle from another dimension. It offers an exhilarating thrill that is full of excitement!

If cornering in a Super Seven feels like dynamically chopping with an axe, then in the Europa, it feels like delicately cutting with a sharp knife at a millimeter level. The transition to oversteer is very gradual, providing a sensation akin to slow motion. Racing drivers often say they have time to think while cornering, and driving the Europa through winding roads gives you a sense of that.

The true joy of driving the Lotus Europa lies in its “always incredibly fun” experience on winding roads and mountain passes! Thanks to a chassis that utilizes torsion and an FRP body that can be lifted by two adults, the handling of the Europa, characterized by its “supple lightness,” is truly of another dimension. Even on unfamiliar mountain roads, it generously encourages drivers to aim for the edges of the curbs.

The poor visibility on the left rear during lane changes, characteristic of the S2’s fins, becomes strangely manageable once you get used to it! The presence of the left tire house so close to your left foot, along with the slight offset of the steering and pedals toward the center, highlights the amusing reversal of modern cars adjusting to the driver. Realizing that “the car’s characteristics take precedence and the driver must adjust to the car” offers a thrilling sense of joy that makes it hard to detach from the charm of this splendid classic Europa experience!

Details of the 1970 Lotus Europa Type-54, meticulously worked on at a highly renowned specialist shop, showcasing the owner's excellent taste...

This 1970 S2 Type-54 is a Type-65 with modified peaks on the late S2 front fenders, but the vehicle registration certificate and caution plate indicate “Type-54.” This makes it one of the few cars from the transitional period of the 1970s that retains its previous type in official documents…

Furthermore, although it is a left-hand drive, the original owner in the UK purchased it on August 14, 1970, from the dealer Lotus Car Sales in Norwich, Norfolk, at a new car price of £1,430.5, including options. A receipt from half a century ago remains as a record, confirming that this vehicle was released in the UK… After verification, it is confirmed to be a matching unit with Unit No. 0238Q, engine number 2571, and transmission number 1187…

See the Dropbox link below (1970 Lotus Europa S2 initial owner purchase documents): 1970 S2 Purchase Document

There are no records regarding its early history in the UK, but a history file, including recent receipts, has been preserved… A complete restoration was carried out overseas a few years ago (with photographic documentation), and there is a clear history of it being imported to Japan…

The current owner, who has loved motorcycles and cars since childhood, has previously found a restoration base for a 240Z and spent an impressive 17 years restoring it into a truly remarkable example, showcasing their patience and excellent taste… Regarding this Lotus Europa S2, which has a clear identity and high originality due to its complete restoration abroad, it has been carefully handled by a well-known specialty shop in Tokyo for several years, resulting in a style that allows one to fully appreciate the original Lotus Europa’s brilliance…

The extensive recent maintenance performed at a well-known European specialty shop in Tokyo includes over 30 detailed invoices, detailing major work such as:

October 2021
- Changed the installation position of left and right door mirrors (original Rayot)
- Adjusted door striker
- Removed and repainted rear grille
- Removed and adjusted left seat rail
- Replaced left and right side markers (original Lucas) with new ones
- Replaced left and right brass door shafts
- Replaced left and right door inner panels (speakerless)
November 2021
- Removed and overhauled radiator, replaced mount bolts, rust treatment, replaced SPAL electric fan, replaced thermoswitch, installed stone guard, replaced radiator core, and replaced sensor flange.
- Removed wiper motor, repaired auto-stop, removed wiper wheel box, removed heater core for internal cleaning, installed seal at the front hood lock, adjusted window washer nozzle, installed check valve, and replaced heater core hose.
- Replaced horn relay and air duct hose.
- Cleaned engine, removed shift link, removed vacuum pipe for servo from frame, removed water pipe, cleaned heater pipe, installed heater cock, installed stainless plate on bulkhead, replaced fuel cap and neck hose, replaced clutch cable, replaced side wire, replaced engine mount, stripped sponge and painted engine room black, replaced throttle wire, rewired interior and engine room, replaced fuse box, stripped carpet on passenger side, repaired wiring, and newly installed battery cut cable.
- Removed and reinstalled bell housing, replaced input shaft seal, replaced gaskets, replaced output shaft seal, replaced release bearing, and replaced all various seals.
- Disassembled transmission case, cleaned, reassembled, corrected differential side bearing, replaced O-ring, and replaced speedometer drive gear.
December 2021
- Replaced crank seal, replaced pilot bearing, replaced oil pan gasket, replaced tappet cover gasket, adjusted tappets, replaced battery.
- Assembled shift lever link, replaced shift lever bush, assembled engine and transmission, replaced drive shaft roll pin, installed and adjusted dynamo V-belt, installed and adjusted water pump V-belt, replaced pulley, replaced and installed heater hose.
- Installed a new stainless water tank, replaced engine oil and filter, replaced turn signal unit, installed and adjusted throttle wire to carburetor.
- Installed ETC, replaced spark plugs, repaired voltage stabilizer wiring, replaced meter lighting, installed electric fan switch, repaired turn signal auto-return, rewired headlight hi/low, adjusted ignition timing, and repaired water temperature gauge wiring.
- Overhauled brake calipers, replaced caliper pistons, replaced disc pads, and adjusted brakes.
December 2021
- Repaired right front turn signal side marker (non-illuminating), adjusted front ride height and toe-in, partially repaired the right front fender with FRP, and processed the part of the fender that contacts the tire.
February 2022
- Tinted top part of the front windshield.
December 2022
- Overhauled carburetor, replaced solenoid pump, replaced water pump, replaced gaskets, replaced Lucas side repeaters, tightened body mount points, replaced front shocks (Koni adjustable), replaced stabilizer bush, adjusted ride height, and replaced brake servo vacuum hose.
- Fixed steering play.
February 2023
- Removed tires from wheels and adjusted rear ride height (moved rear shock position backward).
December 2023
- Overhauled the engine.
- Completely disassembled and overhauled the engine, using 76mm pistons and piston rings, resurfaced the liner, camshaft, and cylinder head, created and replaced exhaust valves at 37.5mm, aligned, polished crankshaft, balanced crank and flywheel, under-sized polished connecting rods, pressed pistons and connecting rods, installed Wako Technical Full Truss Sports Coil (LA700), Ultra Sports Coil, and Ultra Plug Wires, and replaced clutch cover.
- Modified the thrust part of the camshaft, performed WPC treatment, cut the inlet valve stem end, cut cotter grooves, replaced exhaust stud bolts, and replaced clutch discs.
- Stripped original wheels, blasted, and painted with matte gunmetal primer.
- Expanded rear wheels from 4.5J to 5.5J, replaced wheel nuts, and mounted tires.
- Repaired brakes, replaced wheel cylinders, replaced linings, adjusted brakes, removed brake master cylinder, removed and installed under cover, re-tapped for under cover installation, replaced rack and pinion boots, replaced stainless mesh brake hoses, and replaced brake master cylinder.
May 2023 (most recent vehicle inspection)
- (Recent vehicle inspection)
- Removed and installed cylinder head, replaced head gasket, replaced engine oil (WAKO’s Pro Stage), replaced oil element, rewired electric fan, replaced transmission oil, replaced fuses and fuse box, and overhauled right power window motor.
March 2024
- Installed throttle return spring, replaced brake servo, replaced brake fluid, tightened front steering arms, and tightened front brake caliper brackets, replaced front hood sponge.

And so on… A simple calculation shows that the investment made in this vehicle is equivalent to the purchase cost of the car itself… The owner has devoted much love and attention to this Lotus Europa S2…

Opening the large rear clip reveals an overhauled engine room… The rear luggage tab behind the engine is installed to be removable as needed, preserving the original look while ensuring ease of maintenance… The underside of the front clip has also been restored in good condition, with the radiator and brake master components overhauled as mentioned above, and the luggage space is in a very clean state, as shown in the photos…

The original bucket seats have been reupholstered in original materials, and the rare and delicate original steering wheel is in excellent condition. All switches and meters are functioning properly… Moreover, all interior materials and headlining have been replaced, creating a clean atmosphere… The floor carpets have also been replaced with new ones just a few years ago, indicating their excellent condition…

Getting into the cockpit of the Lotus Europa is easy once mastered, requiring a technique similar to that of the Super Seven… The hip point is just a few centimeters off the ground… Open the door, reach out, and your hand can easily touch the ground… This very low driving position is incredibly comfortable when gripping the steering wheel, allowing for deep reflection on what Chapman must have been thinking…

This wide but tight space, reminiscent of a squashed top, is irresistible for car enthusiasts! The reclined position, akin to that of a formula car, is wonderfully just right, providing an unexpectedly excellent forward view that makes you feel an overwhelming urge to “take it on a winding road…!”

Extending my right hand to turn the key located in front of the passenger seat activates the fuel pump, starting the priming process for the French-made Solex carburetor… Listening to the pleasant sound of the fuel pump, I partially open the throttle… and then, as I turn the key further…! The Renault OHV engine… or rather, it awakens with a sound that is entirely uncharacteristic of Renault, as the 1470cc four-cylinder engine comes to life effortlessly! This engine is the result of Renault conducting all modifications and supplying a complete engine to Lotus at Chapman’s request… As a result, the feel and exhaust note are completely unlike anything Renault would produce!

“100% purity of the original…” is precisely what this is. The European essence from the time of development… can only be experienced with this early Renault unit! The catalog value is

Postscript on the 1970 Lotus Europa S2 Type 54

The 1970 Lotus Europa S2 Type 54, finished to an extraordinary level thanks to the owner’s excellent taste and generous investment… “This is amazing!”—I truly felt this about the car. After the interview, I once again found myself captivated by the original Europa design, realizing that “sensibility surpassing performance” is precisely the thrill that can be experienced with classic Lotus models.

The owner, who has dedicated their full effort to patiently working on this car with maximum love, decided to part with it due to changes in their life stage, having brought it to this remarkable state.

“To simplify and add lightness…”—I was able to touch upon Chapman’s philosophy and thoughts! Late at night, one can immerse themselves in their ideas in the garage, pulling the Lotus out early on weekends and joyfully maneuvering it in a state of extraordinary experience.

Isn’t that quite a flavorful life?

Under the care of a dedicated owner, this supreme car has been meticulously restored, completely evoking the spirit of its original form. The charm of the original Europa design stands out vividly, showcasing the owner’s good taste.

This is undoubtedly a car that’s hard to find… It’s a matter of waiting for the right encounter. Please do come to Gunma Prefecture to see this supreme Lotus Europa S2.

This wonderful “1970 Lotus Europa S2 Type 54” is currently located in Gunma Prefecture. As it is a private sale, there are no consumption taxes or additional fees. When purchasing this vehicle, the buyer will be responsible for the prorated monthly payment of the automobile tax (¥34,500 per year). Additionally, a recycling deposit is not required, as it has not been pre-deposited. The buyer will also need to arrange for transportation; however, the author’s company does provide classic car transport services using its own truck. Please feel free to inquire if you have any specific requests.

Regarding Inquiries…
The vehicle listed on this page is featured on the cross-border e-commerce site for classic and collectible cars, “Estate Sale Supremacy®.”

What is a supreme estate sale?
Estate Sale Supremacy® introduces vehicles filled with the owner’s sentiments through interviews, articles, and videos, serving as the Japanese version of the North American cultural estate sale that helps organize material and emotional ties. Unlike low-value purchases that leave nothing behind, we earnestly express the owner’s feelings, ensuring that memories remain in the heart while successfully passing on the vehicle to the next generation.

We conduct detailed interviews with the current owner, including past maintenance records and repair history, as well as any accidents. If there has been a major accident or if the current ownership period is extremely short and details are unclear, we will decline to cover the vehicle, ensuring that we provide as much peace of mind as possible to prospective buyers.

The content of this article was written based on an interview with the owner conducted under clear skies on September 14, 2024, for approximately four hours. Due to the limited time for verification, it may not guarantee 100% accuracy regarding the condition of the actual vehicle. Additionally, comments regarding the vehicle’s condition are based on the interviewer’s subjective observations and the weather conditions at the time of the interview.

For inquiries about the listed vehicle or to request confirmation of the actual car, please contact us using the information at the bottom of this page. Since this is a private transaction, actual inspections will be limited to customers who are considering the purchase to prevent casual inquiries.

Thank you for your consideration.