Lotus Europa Road Test & Review by Drivin' Ivan

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Drivin' Ivan reviews his Lotus Europa and gives a history on the car that could have beaten Ford at LeMans.
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1 июн 2016

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Комментарии : 110

@andrewglover9769 5 лет назад

When I was a kid I lived in a farming village in Scotland, as far as sports cars went you'd be lucky to see a Ford Capri but more often than not it was Skoda's/Allegro's and any 'safe' family car. One afternoon I was walking back from the golf course with my buddies I saw a brand new shiny British Racing green Lotus Europa sitting outside the Post office. Nothing could be more shocking to my imagination than if aliens landed in the high street, this car was perfection itself. I pressed my nose to the glass and the cockpit looked just as the name suggests, a cockpit. Dials and buttons everywhere. I always thought that 'one day' I'd own one and that's now been fifty years since I saw that car and still love it, kinda like the girl who got away, sweet memories with the nagging question...what if....

@skinnytinny9023 8 лет назад

Hi Ivan, this is the car I had on my wall as a kid. I had to wait 40 years but got one last November, like you say, meeting your hero. Best wishes from England.

@clydewilson1141 5 лет назад

I was in the US Navy and stationed in the UK in the early 70s. Guys at the base who had these said they handled like no body' business. I had a 74 Spitfire 1500. Just love British sports cares. Glad you finally what your dream car. CWO4, USN, Ret. 73-95.

@56squadron 4 года назад

I've chased one of these in a pack of vintage cars, and yes, the damn things drive like an AFX car with "magna-traction"... they really do not slow for turns and yet they move not an inch sideways. I couldn't keep up with it, and even the guy behind him in a 911 couldn't stay with him.

@starchyrat 2 года назад

Ivan! This was my fathers car that he gave to my uncle shortly before he passed. This made me and my brother very happy to see, I have piles of pictures of it and very loving stories. Please contact me!

@WalterMooreDevelopment 2 года назад

😳

@TheViewmaster1971 4 года назад

I've always loved these cars. When I was just out of high school, I moved to Southern California (1971) where I saw (for the first time) a bunch of these driving around but never knew anything about them. I DO remember a lot of them that I saw did say "Twin Cam" on them. Thanks for a great video!!!

@BaddaBigBoom 7 лет назад

Amazing to see that someone in the US has such an appreciation of this car. It too was one of my childhood dream cars. Odd to see one with the steering wheel on the wrong side, thumbs up, old chap ;-)

@56squadron 4 года назад

Amazing? I did some research a few years ago - 94% of all sports cars Britain ever made were sold in the USA. We were the ones who always appreciated them, that's why they are all over here... so at 94%, that means the steering wheel IS on the correct side old chap ;-)

@NormAppleton 4 года назад

Growing up in Toronto there was a guy around the block that restored British sports cars, Austin Healeys, Triumphs. His baby was a French racing blue Europa. Damn I loved that car, so low, so business.

@ericgeorge5483 5 лет назад

What a fantastic, well put together and presented review. You are one lucky man owning such a legendary car! I have always loved the Lotus Europa since I first saw one in the early 70's in my home town in North Yorkshire and I have been in love with the Europa ever since. For me they are one of the most distinctive and beautiful cars ever made. Thanks again for a great upload, Massive thumbs up from me.

@thorick590 6 лет назад

Thanks for the look ! When I grew up our family had only cheap practical cars: VW Bug, VW Van.. My uncle had a twin cam Europa and took me for a ride around town in it, my first ride in a car built for driving. The sensation of cornering and looking up at the other cars next to us at the stop light made a huge impression that's never left me. That thing was a magic machine. Congrats on the cool car !

@drivinivan 6 лет назад

Thanks for watching and commenting! The Europa is a very special car! Check out my Esprit Turbo as well! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JfCsfC_jVcM.html Thanks for watching and commenting and please share my videos with your friends and family on social media and SUBSCRIBE! Drivin' Ivan

@robert12011 6 лет назад

What a great video review from an obvious big Lotus fan. I loved this video for the sheer enjoyment you were getting from the car despite its obvious faults. Those front air vents in the cabin, I had those in my ford cortina. Keep posting please !

@timothyrogstad5577 3 года назад

I love the obvious joy that this car gives you man.

@TahoeRealm 3 года назад

Wonderful video - thank you

@stringer-ik1pc 6 лет назад

Brilliant review.

@paulhunter123 3 года назад

i love the originality of this car buddy

@limjamrace 3 года назад

Nice down to earth review..Glad you actually enjoy the car as it is..

@chrishyslop1 7 лет назад

Hi Ivan, I have a 1971 Europa s2 and it should have a rear view mirror!! Also great place in UK for parts called Banks Europa. Happy drivin.

@drivinivan 7 лет назад

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching and commenting! Don't forget to subscribe and pass my videos on to your friends and family! Please share! Drivin' Ivan

@jobamasux 6 лет назад

There was a Lotus dealership down the street from my house where I grew up and as a 10 yr kid outside of Chicago, I would wander in there and check them out, from time to time but I remember this beautiful red one that was so low to the ground I even towered over it, I asked the dealer if they were built for kids and he smiled at me!

@XPEDITCHIS 2 года назад

Thank you for a great video. Very nice! I have a 1970 S2 Europa, originally yellow, then red and now black JP Special trim. 8,000 original miles,,however I am now replacing the piston rings, stuck in the piston after 40 years sitting. Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious! I prefer working on exotic stuff so I love it!!!

@skapps 4 года назад

I've got your cars older brother. Mine's 0705R. Put a Banks coilover kit on it and it's an amazing handling car. The Elise has way higher limits but there's something that makes me even more connected to the road in the Europa.

@jamesmata2945 6 лет назад

Great car. love the passion you have for the car, I can relate.

@drivinivan 6 лет назад

Thanks for your complement! Thanks for watching and commenting and please share my videos with your friends and family and SUBSCRIBE! Drivin' Ivan

@fatboy19831 8 лет назад

Change the tires!!!!! Hold on to them. Tires that old are not safe. Lovely car.

@48sydney 4 года назад

I worked for Goodyear in Akron for a while. They told me that tires kept inside and away from sun did not degrade as most of the compound is a plastic. I was not sure how true it was , but they were the tire designers and had no long term commercial interest, so I think if they are stored and no signs of cracks , they may be still good.

@XX-jf8og 7 лет назад

One true car guy. Respect.

@drivinivan 7 лет назад

Thanks for watching and commenting! Please share my channel and videos with your friends and family on social media! Drivin' Ivan

@ExeterCityMan 4 года назад

I had a S2 at the age of 19 in 1983. I paid £1000 for it due to its poor condition. It was red when I bought it. Loved driving it, the handling was amazing in the dry nothing could keep up with me. One day pushed it too hard in the wet and spun three turns. I got the car professionally resprayed black and it looked amazing. Two weeks after getting it back a German bloke dived Infront of me trying to commit suicide. Smashed the front corner and cracked it in the door shut. Best memories driving under chains to get into car parks for free. Biggest problem so much linkage on the gear shift made shifting gear difficult. Be worth over £20k now, I sold mine still damaged for £1000.

@mhedrick2323 4 года назад

Been fascinated with this car since I was a kid

@Timonator3 2 года назад

Had a red '71 back in the late 1970's, handled better than any sports car I've driven. Drove under a couple of different parked semi-trucks in it. Quite the attention getter around town.

@PiDsPagePrototypes Год назад

Swap out the R16 non-crossflow 1465cc motor for the R16TS crossflow 1565cc motor. in stock form the R16 motor was 61 hp, where the 16TS motor was over 90hp. Some minor performance bolt-on's, like twin carbs, matching the exhaust pipe to the size of the manifold opening, and you're in the 105 to 110hp range straight away.

@WolvesInferno 4 года назад

Really awesome review of this car. I wonder if that rough idle could be caused by the carbs or spark plugs.I have a very detailed 1:43 model myself.

@Twirlyhead 3 года назад

Nice one.

@VanaConn Год назад

Definitely always wanted one. One year soon. Have to sell one of my other cars first. I have a 94 Rover Mini that is fun to drive. Similar in that regard.

@astrafalustre8259 7 лет назад

She's so gorgeous. Treat her good, man.

@astrafalustre8259 7 лет назад

You seem confused, John. She (car) has an engine, it (woman) has a vagina and no soul.

@astrafalustre8259 5 лет назад

@D B (Double Blowjob) : Truly replied like a... woman.

@verygood7155 5 лет назад

Mr. Chapman put it into production in both assembled turn key and kit car forms just like their early super 7. Many years ago I owned the big valve Europa with the lowered rear quarters though I always preferred the looks of the Renault powered original like yours. The first time I saw one it was new and I thought it was the coolest car I'd ever seen. It is my all time favorite Lotus design. You have to have a refined eye to appreciate the beauty of its design.

@Oscarphone 4 года назад

I'm 6'3" and I got in and out of mine easy deal.

@edgarbeat275 4 года назад

You must have modified the seat frame and cut your feet off :) I am 6ft1 tall and cursed with US size 14 or uk size 13 feet. I adore the Lotus Europa but not comfy or much feet room :) A good job I love the looks as I am happy to look at the Lotus.

@davidmartin978 4 года назад

I owned the same car in red. A blast to drive. But a problem not being seen by traffic in front, and being constantly cut off as it is so low. And with only fiberglass hung on an I beam, not the safest car to drive. But thanks for keeping it alive!

@BrianR04 5 лет назад

Take the front top suspension arms off and invert them, that will give the car back its proper ride height as per the UK model. Fitting them upside down is all Lotus did with the first US cars to get them through the Fed regs. You will have to reset the headlights but the car will handle much better. I had one from new in 1972, wish I had never sold it so I'm building another with a 220 bhp 2ltr Ford v-tec with fuel injection and 5 speed box with cable gear shift on a fully adjustable Spider chassis with fly by wire throttle, hydraulic clutch, electric parking brake, disc brakes all round, etc. That 130 mph speedo will get a good run out !!

@edgarbeat275 7 лет назад

Please treasure that Lotus :) Incredible condition. Love the europa esp the early versions.

@drivinivan 7 лет назад

It's totally original. A true survivor. It was painted black when Lotus won the world championship! Thanks for watching and please share my videos! Drivin' Ivan

@dwaynesbadchemicals 3 года назад

My friend’s brother had one in his garage. Never saw it on the road.

@dancingtrout6719 Год назад

lol...

@edgarbeat275 7 лет назад

Does it still have its original chassis? I love the patina and the fact you can see traces of the original factory colour.

@MrMightyytau 4 года назад

Ivan that’s amazing the car even has the original steering wheel and gear knob, hide the gear know they are very sought after. Original radio it’s almost a time warp.

@alanstarkie2001 3 года назад

I used to see these driving around when they new and always fancied one. Not so sure now though.

@Snarge22 7 лет назад

High Profile Tires! Yeah!!! drivinivankatz, I think these cars are so over the top cool! Love the mid-engine layout and the light weight. A work in progress? Fantastic! My complaint? That Colin Chapman must have been only 5'8" or so. At 6'7" so can only admire these cars from a distance. I imagine the front suspension can be set back down to European specifications. That's definitely a task to take care of. Good luck with your car!

@Toby_the_Glen 7 лет назад

You might be surprised. Mike Kimberley (Lotus) could drive one and he was 6'5"?

@butziporsche8646 Год назад

I had an R-17 Gordini engine in mine so it was faster than a twin-cam. I prefer this bread van style to the S3 versions.

@robertkirk4387 5 лет назад

Still needs a lot of work but you can take your time with that, don't rush, get it right

@corvette724 6 лет назад

nice, in the 90`s i had en Elan+2S

@JohnBessa 4 года назад

you sound exactly like me describing my first gen tiburon when I bought in 2000, every freaking pebble ! europa my fav though, but only in matchbox :(

@frankhoward7645 Год назад

8:20. The limited turning radius has noting to do with the handling. It's limited because of clearance issues with the wheel wells. Imagine the wells being even wider inside the car. Enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting!

@kennethquesenberry2610 3 года назад

Some one had one when I was in college around 1970. But ordinary people usually had to settle for a Triumph GT6, which had a few of the same characteristics. The closest I came was own two Renault 16s.

@betacam235 Год назад

I love Lotus cars, with several exceptions such as the heavier, more 'up market' things they dreamed up in the later 70s. I think the Europa is still underrated though. It's a great little car. That engine sounds as though it's in serious need of attention....what IS that appalling noise 9 to 10 minutes in, on the road? Best of luck with it; enjoy! I still have an S1 Elise 111S and a 225bhp Caterham SV (developed Lotus Seven), both great fun.

@jimstuart9052 5 лет назад

I know this is a Europa conversation, but here's something really close: A high school friend's father bought him a brand-new, bright yellow 1970? Lotus Elan. Foolishly, my friend let us take it out on our own, for hours at a time. First, believe it or not, it was very fast. I remember starting out from an intersection and keeping up with my other friend's 1968? Shelby GT350, which had twice the # of cylinders and at least twice the displacement. Lightness helps, of course, but that car's engine would really wind up - would accelerate very quickly, even with two in the car. Cornering: you're driving a racing car.

@kimchee94112 Год назад

You have electric windows! I drove one off the freeway. For the life of me it was so low and couldn't see it on my right side when merging. An earlier time had a chance to buy a Lotus Elan for cheap. Need to get rid of it as the guy said he almost got killed on the freeway as other vehicles couldn't see him either. Also it had plastic bumpers where other cars then had thick steel indestructible chrome plated ones. Even though, love to have an Europa as a project car.

@shanefanon 7 лет назад

Lots of trouble usually serious . Ha,ha,ha .... I like you and your car already . I've got one too ... a 1970 Federal S2 and I love it ! Enjoy, have fun, be safe .

@stevekovacs6250 5 лет назад

Make sure you upgrade your swing arm bearings from French to an equivalent. Ask me how I know.

@zzzdogutube 7 лет назад

nice..

@pierredecine1936 2 года назад

Somewhat of a strange car to fall in love with - - perhaps even odder than loving a 1996 Caprice ... I was into a 1973 Datsun 610 back then - so I understand.

@lunakai_360 4 года назад

I can’t believe its that light!

@edgarbeat275 4 года назад

I commented three years ago. How is the car doing? I adore that car :) Bog standard Renault based Early models do it for me.

@Fishpezera 7 лет назад

PRECIOSO AUTO👏👏👏👏👏❤😎

@drivinivan 7 лет назад

Thanks for watching and commenting! Please share my channel and videos with your friends and family on social media! Drivin' Ivan

@kaneshoop 7 лет назад

Love it. Even more I'm so happy for your joy! BUT... please don't drive on those tires ever any more! Super dangerous!

@48sydney 4 года назад

The more original the car the more valuable as a classic car. The Europa is an affordable GT40 without a huge engine which was not necessary for a road car. The balance and handling I have never experienced better with any car. I have owned my 1969 S2 since 1975 and finally may consider letting it go. At 105 mph the front end can go a little light unless you fit a front spoiler from a twin cam model. With a stick on rear mirror the rear view is quite good and you dont really see the edges of the rear window. Anyway you dont go backwards very often. Hello from UK

@georgeharrison2795 Год назад

Yours appears to be JPS spec. making it rarer still

@dwaynesbadchemicals 3 года назад

23k? Awesome.

@AlPal162 Год назад

I'd get rid of the pin stripes. The S2 never had them... just the Special.

@charlesgruber1631 4 года назад

I've always had a thing for that car. 'Ever see 11 Harrow House?

@valtito9297 6 лет назад

perfect euro car!!!

@allfiredupltd9108 5 лет назад

My old man has one in his garage how much are they worth these days

@1183newman 5 лет назад

series 1 are a nightmare to work on because the fibreglass is bonded to the chassis. this wasn't so on later cars.

@MissionaryForMexico Год назад

You should have got the twin cam!

@PiDsPagePrototypes Год назад

Nah, he should drop the 16TS motor in there, or the 16TX motor and 5-speed.

@h7pubg 6 лет назад

Are those series 3 E-Type taillights?

@Dennis4SB 6 лет назад

At some point Lotus changed the rear lights to the ones used on the E typeJag

@gregorytimmons4777 5 лет назад

Dennis4SB On the Elan +2 also.

@kriley9386 7 лет назад

Ivan, your are driven’ in your Sanuks? Playin’ it a bit loosey-goosey are we? Seriously, I do hope you have new tires on her by now.

@Bohonk212 4 года назад

My all time second favorite car after the Miura.

@davecoalwood9487 4 года назад

Good choices fella.

@icooper5236 2 месяца назад

So you say they are the original tyres, yeah I'm sure I would

@SuperNevile 5 лет назад

George ["I spent a lot of money on booze, women and fast cars - the rest I just squandered"] Best had a yellow one. In 1969 he said he had given up the women and booze, and it was the worst 20 minutes of his life...……. but it was the year he got the Europa......

@BlowmeRoger 7 лет назад

I cant help but feel that these are like fiat X1/9 's,people rave about their handling but is it just because they have fuck all power to really test the chassis dynamics too much?

@SKYSAW59 5 лет назад

You are not completely wrong. The early ones were under powered. The car became great when the Big Valve Special came out.. I roasted my friends Dino.. And I mean roasted!

@gemanscombe4985 2 года назад

It's about power to weight ratio. The last twincam Europas were 1600 lbs and 126 HP. 0-60 was under 7 seconds. Early ones were 1400 lbs and 10 seconds. X 1/9s, at 2000 lbs, moved 25-42% more weight with 1500 ccs. Folks have made those go fast, too, but off the showroom floor, not so much. Still was lots of fun, and especially 45 years ago!

@rogerhudson2814 Год назад

"Breadvan"?, Ferrari made a racing GT car people called the breadvan, it never bothered Ferrari.

@dancingtrout6719 Год назад

Put it in your Living Room

@poudikat 11 месяцев назад

I wouldn’t drive on 47year old tyres

@geoffreyallen888 4 года назад

I'm not crazy about the car. It's bloody ugly and well....those wheels weren't cool that's why everyone changed them. But it's your car and you love it so that's good. Nice (very!) to hear that Robbie Krieger signed your SG but please, don't do doughnuts with an old classic like that, even if I'm not fond of Europas. And please don't think of caning it on rubber as old as that, you'll kill yourself. All the best with the restoration - show that when it's done? Thanks, nice video.

@gregorytimmons4777 5 лет назад

That car is not built for doing doughnuts. You are going to destroy the rear suspension. Maybe even the 3rd member and axles.

@SKYSAW59 5 лет назад

The early ones were under powered. ... and hideous! The car became truly great when the Big Valve Special came out.. I roasted my friends Dino.. And I mean roasted!

@FreshlySnipes 7 лет назад

Why would that be your dream car!? LMAOO - I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

@drivinivan 7 лет назад

Yes it definitely is! I love it! Thanks for watching and commenting! Please share my channel and videos with your friends and family on social media! Drivin' Ivan

@cjmolle5294 7 лет назад

beautiful frunk

@marknestbox 7 лет назад

Nothing remotely odd, but I'd like to date your car... does she sex on the first date? How does she ride, and if shes not on the pill can we just blow time? Always loved the model as a Page 3, but that was back then, but never got steered and never learnt to drive... I'm a biker, which explains why my wet dream will never happen, but thanks. I think. Or may be not. Yours. A Tosser celebrating Xmas alone in the UK. Thanks. M.