The Pick of the Day is among the most unusual in this series. It’s a project car, not in the usual sense of some decrepit rusted-out shell but the ready-to-finish body of a 1970 Lotus Europa S2.
What is technically a project vehicle is being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a private owner in Simi Valley, California. The seller’s businesses are involved in auto racing and restoration and can help the buyer put the Europa back on the road or the track, the ad says.
The seller suggests that before considering the purchase of a Lotus Europa barn find project or one that has been restored recently (and therefore will cost as much as $45,000), “be aware of all the issues and hidden costs these very unique cars present for the average sports car enthusiast.
“We have attempted to provide individuals a solid foundation, the ability moving forward with confidence knowing key components that will provide reliability, safety have been addressed in a costly manner.”
Being offered for $9,950 is a Lotus Europa S2 body and chassis.
“All necessary fiberglass and related body work completed, primer paint for vinyl wrap,” the seller reports. “We highly recommend instead of current automotive water base paints.”
Meanwhile, the chassis “has been media cleaned thoroughly inspected in jig making sure all front suspension pickup points are correct, rear radius arm points and rear chassis frame has been widened and reinforced to accept a wide range of drive train power plants. Also includes driver/passenger seat frame reinforcement kit, a must for drivers over 150 lb.”
And if you’re not ready to complete the work yourself, “We can provide complete restoration services specific to the needs of buyer including wide range of engine/drive line components, including electric/hybrid incorporating custom suspension.”
The seller estimates that it would charge less than $30,000 to finish the Lotus as a complete rolling chassis with suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, or as a completed turn-key car with powertrain, upgraded suspension, full interior trim, etc., for $45,000 to $65,000, depending on the extent of the upgrades.
Or, of course, the buyer could finish the Lotus project in their own garage, or using restoration services in their locale.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
For more on the services offered by the seller, visit the A&B Racing website.
What a great buy!
Wow! And we sold dad’s 69 lotus for $$8,900 a few years back, original yellow paint , and it had the Gordinni head! Guess we should have asked more! We had no idea they went for so much.
Thank you for the review with your unbiased opinion.
Great to see an individual like your self representing the industry.
great BREAD BOX!