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Curated Auction

1972 Lotus Europa Twin-Cam 1600

At a Glance

Attractive metallic light blue paintwork | Upgraded Cooling System and Electric Fans | Power Steering Conversion

  • Mileage~157,578 On clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6-Litre
  • LocationHarrold, Bedfordshire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£4,400
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£4,400

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Video #2

Introduction

Ashley Dawson
Professional Consigner

Few cars capture the spirit of Colin Chapman’s famous philosophy quite like the Lotus Europa.

Lightweight, low-slung, and engineered with driving enjoyment as the priority, the Europa remains one of the most distinctive sports cars of the 1970s.

Offered here is a 1972 Lotus Europa Twin Cam 1600; a long-term, enthusiast-owned example that has been with its current keeper, Stuart, since 2001. During his ownership the car has undergone a comprehensive rebuild and has been carefully maintained, resulting in a Europa that presents extremely well and, more importantly, drives exactly as a Lotus should.

Finished in an attractive metallic light blue and complemented by a tan interior, this Europa combines period charm with a number of thoughtful upgrades designed to improve usability while retaining the character that makes these cars so special.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Stuart the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I've owned the Europa since 2002 and during that time it's had a complete rebuild, along with a number of upgrades to improve reliability and drivability - while keeping the character that makes these cars so special.

Stuart's Europa is exactly the sort of car enthusiasts want to find: a long-term owned example that has been carefully rebuilt, improved and enjoyed over more than two decades of ownership.

Rather than chasing originality at the expense of usability, Stuart focused on addressing some of the Europa's best-known weaknesses. The upgraded cooling system and fans help combat overheating concerns, while the addition of power steering makes the car significantly easier to use on modern roads. For those who prefer a factory-correct driving experience, the original steering column is included with the sale.

Importantly, the Europa retains the qualities that have made the model such a cult classic. It presents beautifully, drives exceptionally well, and benefits from the sort of ongoing care that only comes from long-term enthusiast ownership.

Stuart's selling due to his age and a lack of use, and he would much rather see the car being enjoyed regularly by its next custodian.

Stuart will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Stuart
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The Europa's unmistakable profile remains every bit as striking today as it was in the early 1970s.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on a set of Lotus alloy wheels, which suit the Europa perfectly. The wheels present well, with only light signs of use commensurate with age and mileage. The tyres appear to be in good condition and provide the car with excellent road manners.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The fibreglass bodywork presents well overall and retains the sharp lines that define the Europa's unique design. As Stuart notes, some of the panel gaps and fitment are not perfectly uniform, although this is entirely typical of Europas and very much in keeping with how these cars were originally built.

There are no significant issues reported, and the car remains a lovely example throughout.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Finished in an attractive metallic light blue, the paintwork has an excellent shine and depth of finish, suiting the Europa's distinctive styling particularly well. This example presents well throughout and benefits from the sort of condition that reflects long-term enthusiast ownership.

The overall presentation is very good, although there are some minor water droplet-style marks visible on the rear engine cover, front cover and wing.

Outside of this, the paint presents impressively and remains one of the car's standout features.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The glass appears to be in good condition throughout, free from any notable damage.

The brightwork and exterior trim present well, with the chrome detailing, mirrors, and badges all contributing to the car's attractive period appearance.

The overall impression is of a well-cared-for example that has clearly been cherished during its long-term ownership.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The Europa's cabin is exactly as a classic Lotus should be: simple, driver-focused, and full of character.

Seats and Carpets

Finished in tan throughout, the interior presents well and complements the exterior colour beautifully. The seats remain in good condition and retain their original shape well, showing only light age-related wear consistent with the car's age and use.

The tan carpets and trim continue the period feel throughout the cabin and present well overall, creating a warm and inviting environment.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The dashboard remains a real focal point of the interior, featuring a wood veneer finish and a full complement of period instrumentation.

The gauges, switchgear and controls all contribute to the Europa's distinctive seventies character, while the overall presentation suggests a car that has been carefully maintained throughout its life.

Stuart assured us that, at the time of visit. everything is in working order.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A wood-rim steering wheel sits ahead of the driver and suits the character of the car perfectly. Stuart has also fitted a power steering conversion, making the Europa considerably easier to manoeuvre and enjoy on modern roads.

The manual gear lever sits within easy reach and provides a mechanical, engaging driving experience that remains central to the appeal of the model.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Mechanically, the Europa has benefitted from an extensive programme of improvements and recommissioning work, resulting in a car that combines the character of the original with enhanced usability and reliability.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has been upgraded with a big-valve cylinder head - including lead-free valve seats - helping to improve durability while allowing the car to run happily on modern fuel.

Further improvements include an Ignition123 electronic distributor and a high-torque starter motor, enhancing both reliability and ease of use.

Power is delivered through a five-speed gearbox, providing more relaxed cruising and making the Europa far more usable on modern roads than the original four-speed setup.

image

Suspension and Brakes

Significant attention has been paid to the chassis and running gear throughout the rebuild.

The car benefits from a Spyder chassis, along with a trunnionless front suspension conversion and electric power-assisted steering. Together, these upgrades improve precision, drivability and confidence behind the wheel while retaining the Europa's famously lightweight and agile character.

Braking performance has also been enhanced with new discs and calipers, while the steering rack, rear bearing carriers and wheel bearings have all been renewed.

image

The Drive

The result is a Europa that feels exceptionally well sorted. The combination of the Spyder chassis, upgraded suspension, five-speed gearbox and power steering creates a driving experience that remains true to Colin Chapman's original philosophy while feeling noticeably more refined and usable in modern traffic.

Stuart reports that the car is a genuine pleasure to drive and has proven reliable throughout his ownership.

image

Electrics and Other

A complete rewiring programme has been carried out, supported by comprehensive documentation.

Additional improvements include a discreet reversing camera and a modern period-style radio incorporating an SD card facility, providing useful modern conveniences without detracting from the car's classic appearance.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

The Europa benefits from an extensive history file that reflects the level of care, investment, and long-term ownership it has enjoyed over the years.

Stuart has owned the car since 2001 and accumulated a substantial collection of invoices, receipts, and supporting documentation during that time. The paperwork helps document the extensive rebuild undertaken during his ownership, along with the ongoing maintenance, upgrades. and improvements carried out over more than two decades.

Probably the most significant work carried out was the fitment of a Spyder chassis and a body-off restoration that saw the car returned to gel coat before being professionally repainted.

Supporting invoices and documentation detail the substantial investment made throughout the car's life, covering mechanical upgrades, chassis improvements, electrical work, and ongoing maintenance.

Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive rewiring project, which is accompanied by detailed documentation and diagrams, demonstrating the care and attention that has gone into the car's restoration.

The history file provides an excellent record of the work undertaken and helps illustrate just how much thought and investment has gone into creating the exceptionally well-sorted example offered today.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
07/03/2018 MOT 54,020
21/06/2002 MOT 53,896
07/07/2001 MOT 53,198
18/09/1999 MOT 52,545
07/05/1998 MOT 50,586
01/03/1997 MOT 49,026
22/02/1996 MOT 45,657
06/04/1995 MOT 44,792
14/08/1993 MOT 38,015
08/08/1992 MOT 26,424
15/06/1991 MOT 14,051
01/06/1990 MOT 9,063
31/05/1989 MOT 4,881
31/05/1988 MOT 98,831
26/05/1987 MOT 91,124
27/05/1986 MOT 84,502
04/05/1985 MOT 76,845
11/05/1984 MOT 73,154
28/04/1983 MOT 70,369
05/12/1981 MOT 65,566
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Europa Twin-Cam 1600
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01.08.1972
  • CC 1558
  • Mileage ~157,578 On clock
  • Colour Blue
  • Interior Colour Tan
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 72031461P
  • Engine # V26232
  • Restored Yes
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 8
  • Tyre Brand Uniroyal
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Owned ~25 years, 4 months
  • Vehicle Registration MGW 8L
  • Auction ID 3712
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Harrold, Bedfordshire

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £4,400
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    Countdown Timer
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    Auction Ends Thu 18th Jun at 7.30pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  4
    £4,400 bid by James3305.06.26 @ 18:45:04
    £4,200 bid by paul145004.06.26 @ 20:22:04
    £4,000 bid by steve04.06.26 @ 17:45:17
    £3,500 bid by Landy8804.06.26 @ 13:14:42
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    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    2 Comments
    iainmeek
    iainmeek
    1 day ago

    How are you for viewing and test drive if I come up from London?

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      iainmeek
    1 day ago

    Hi Iain,

    We can help organise a viewing for you, if you could send an email to [email protected] first we just need to do some checks.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Europa like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Harrold, Bedfordshire

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