1971 Lotus Europa Twin Cam |

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1971 Lotus Europa Twin Cam

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Mileage~59,195 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationSheffield

AUCTION CLOSED

1971 Lotus Europa Twin Cam

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Ashley Dawson

Professional Consigner

Few cars capture the essence of lightweight British performance quite like the Lotus Europa Twin Cam.

Launched as Lotus’ mid-engined road car for the serious enthusiast, the Europa combined Colin Chapman’s “simplify, then add lightness” philosophy with advanced engineering and unmistakable styling. Low, compact and purposeful, it offered exotic looks with genuine driver-focused dynamics.

This 1971 Twin Cam example perfectly embodies that spirit. Coming from over 8 years with our vendor, it's finished in vibrant yellow over a black interior, presenting as a wonderfully authentic classic Lotus. With its iconic stance, distinctive flying buttress rear pillars and beautifully simple cabin layout, it remains one of the purest expressions of 1970s sports car design.

A charismatic and engaging classic, this Europa offers an experience that modern cars simply cannot replicate.

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

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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.

Meet the owner

After years of enjoyment and careful restoration, it’s time for someone else to experience the car as I have.

Chris has owned this Europa since November 2017, taking it on as a rewarding project and restoring it to the striking, well-presented example you see today. With a clear vision and enthusiasm for the marque, he has carefully brought the car to its current condition, ensuring it remains true to its lightweight Lotus ethos while presenting beautifully throughout.

Now approaching retirement, Chris feels the car simply isn’t being used as it deserves. Rather than let it sit idle, he would like to see it passed on to a new custodian who will drive, enjoy, and appreciate this wonderfully engaging 1970s Lotus.

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

Chris

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Low, compact, and unmistakably Lotus, the Europa’s exterior design remains as striking today as it was in 1971.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on classic Lotus alloy wheels, which suit the Europa’s period character beautifully. The wheels present well and complement the car’s bright yellow finish perfectly.

The lotus is fitted with Maxxis tyres all round. They look to be good condition.

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.

Bodywork

The fibreglass body presents nicely overall, with clean lines and a strong, purposeful profile.

The shut lines around the doors are not perfect and may benefit from some light adjustment, though it’s worth noting they are consistent on both sides. Chris told us the driver's door has dropped and needs lifting as you close it.

As with many fibreglass-bodied classics of this era, minor imperfections are part of the car’s character.

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

Paint

Finished in a vibrant yellow, the paintwork suits the Europa’s dramatic styling and highlights its distinctive curves and angles.

The colour has great visual impact and gives the car a real presence on the road, enhancing its classic 1970s appeal.

The paint looked to be in good condition. 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 high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears in good order, with no obvious defects noted at the time of visit. Chris told us the windscreen and all surrounding trim has been replaced.

Chrome and exterior trim pieces present well and remain in keeping with the car’s period aesthetic, completing a sharp and authentic exterior package.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Inside, the Europa delivers exactly what a 1970s Lotus should, compact, driver-focused, and wonderfully analogue.

Seats and Carpets

The seats present well and remain supportive, in keeping with the car’s sporting intent. The cabin feels intimate and focused, reinforcing the Europa’s low-slung, mid-engined character. The carpets appear tidy and appropriate for the car’s age.

Chris does note that the sun visors would benefit from refurbishment, as they show age-related wear. This is a minor cosmetic point and would be a straightforward improvement for the next owner should they wish to refine the interior further.

Dashboard

The wooden dashboard fascia remains a highlight, housing the classic array of analogue gauges that define the era - Chris reassured at the time of the visit all dash instruments are in working order.

The instruments appear clear and in keeping with the car’s restored presentation. Switchgear and trim contribute to the authentic, mechanical feel that enthusiasts expect from a Lotus of this period.

The cabin is purposeful rather than luxurious, placing the emphasis firmly on the driving experience while retaining period charm throughout.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel presents in good, honest condition, with light age-related wear visible to the rim and spokes, consistent with careful use over time. It retains its period-correct appearance and suits the car’s character well.

The gear stick and surrounding trim also present tidily, with no obvious damage or excessive wear noted. The gear knob and gaiter remain in keeping with the car’s restored condition, contributing to the overall authentic and well-preserved feel of the cabin.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

True to Lotus form, the mechanical setup of this Europa Twin Cam reflects its lightweight, driver-focused design.

Engine and Gearbox

The Twin Cam engine sounds excellent, with no unusual noises noted as demonstrated in both the “Cold Start” and “On the Road” videos. It starts cleanly and runs smoothly, delivering the characteristic tone and responsiveness expected from a Lotus of this era.

The gearbox operates as it should, though Chris does mention a slight clutch judder when the weather is cold. Once warmed through, this is less noticeable and does not detract from the car’s overall usability.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension feels composed and free from unwanted noises, with no knocks or rattles reported.

Braking performance is strong and consistent, with the car stopping confidently and predictably.

The Drive

On the road, the Europa pulls well and performs exactly as it should.

The engine responds eagerly, and the car delivers the sharp, lightweight feel that defines the model.

It remains an engaging and enjoyable classic to drive.

Electrics and Other

Electrics are generally in good working order; however, Chris reports that the reverse lights have recently stopped functioning.

Aside from this minor issue, no other electrical faults were reported at the time of visit.

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History and Paperwork

This 1971 Lotus Europa Twin Cam has clearly benefited from careful stewardship and considered restoration under Chris’s ownership.

Since acquiring the car in 2017, Chris has invested significant time and effort into bringing it to the condition seen today, Chris retains invoices for the work carried out, providing useful insight into the restoration and maintenance undertaken, the engine has been refreshed and the gearbox has been rebuilt. The car is also accompanied by a selection of previous MOT certificates, helping to document its road use and mileage history over time. Together, this paperwork offers reassuring evidence of ongoing care and enthusiast-led ownership.

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, 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 of 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 bids, 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
04/02/2026	MOT	59,183
12/07/2017	MOT	58,933
14/07/2016	MOT	58,921
15/07/2015	MOT	58,845
09/06/2014	MOT	58,710
17/06/2013	MOT	58,551
28/06/2012	MOT	58,430
29/05/2012	MOT	58,429
24/05/2011	MOT	57,997
09/06/2010	MOT	57,856
05/06/2009	MOT	57,444
01/05/2008	MOT	56,622
02/05/2007	MOT	56,160
20/04/2006	MOT	55,334

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Key Details

ModelEuropa Twin Cam
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date01/12/1971
CC1558
Mileage~59,195 on clock
ColourYellow
Interior ColourBlack
Chassis #7111211117P
Engine #V25393
RestoredYes
MOTYes Exp. 03.02.2027
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All clear
Former Keepers4
Tyre BrandMaxxis
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~8 years, 3 months
Key FeatureOwnership
Vehicle RegistrationDLG 4K
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Auction ID3412

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Vehicle Location

Sheffield

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

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1 Comment

classiccarsrule

5 months ago

Hi. If I bid on the lotus I couldn’t collect until May as I am out of the country. I could put a deposit on and then collect early May. Would this be a problem ?
Cheers
Phil

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