The first mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout Europa appeared in 1966 due to the close cooperation between the French Renault and the British Lotus.
Source: Vintage Car Collector
The mid-60s was fruitful for Lotus, marked by cooperation with French Renault. As a result, the 2-seater Europa appeared, with the engine and gearbox in the rear block from Renault. The model’s name stated that it was intended only for the European market. A democratic price and simplicity of units with modest performance distinguished this automobile. Soon a faster version appeared, and cooperation with the French automaker was over. The independent assembling era began, during which the brand developed almost all its engines. Unfortunately, most of the assembled automobiles suffered from minor but annoying problems which spoiled the brand’s reputation.
Source: Coterie Press
After the triumphant success of Lotus 25 in the Constructors’ Championship, the company decided to make a production vehicle with a mid-engined layout. It was not the most straightforward task, as Colin Chapman (the founder of the company and auto designer) needed help in finding the proper engine and transmission for a long time. Soon, the Renault 16 front-wheel drive hatchback was introduced to the automobile market. It was decided to take the engines from the French company, which agreed to cooperate. Chapman used an in-line 4-cylinder engine of the Cleon-Alu series with an aluminum block, a lower camshaft, and an OHV head. Lotus engineers increased the compression ratio, enlarged the valves, and used a 2-barrel carburetor. As a result, they managed to increase power from 52 to 81 hp.
Further, the engineers developed the main frame with a wide rear “fork” and traditional Lotus independent suspension on double wishbones, springs in front and on diagonal levers, and Chapman struts at the rear. To make the cheap and fast vehicle, the company followed its proven “simplify, then add lightness” approach. The new model was named Europa, emphasizing its purpose. Designed by Ron Hickman, it was made for the European market only. Remarkably, Hickman sketched it first for Ford, which was looking for a partner to develop the Ford GT40 racing car. However, the American automaker chose the Lola brand, and the Hickman project came in handy for Lotus. Sure, the design of the new automobile was ambiguous: in front, it resembled a sports model – very low and streamlined, and in the back, it was either a pickup truck or a three-door van. The first generation was introduced in 1966. Even though the car received relatively positive reviews for its handling, top speed (195 km/h), dynamics (acceleration to 96 km/h took 9.3 s), and fuel consumption (9 .4 l/100 km), it had a lot of shortcomings. Among them were a cramped cabin, fixed seats, no trunk, and removable side windows. The second generation of the model partially got rid of these shortcomings in 1968, receiving, for example, adjustable seats, power windows, and a small trunk. But in technical terms, the model was unchanged. Until 1975 several high-performance versions like Europa Twin Cam, Ford Twin Cam by Elan, and Special were released. For ten years of production, 9230 cars left the assembly line.
Source: Coterie Press
It was the second iteration of the Lotus Europa model and was designed to provide a high-performance driving experience in a compact and lightweight package. The car received a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder able to produce 105 horsepower and speed up from 0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds. The 1971 edition’s engine was first mated to Renault’s four-speed transmission but with removed side sails for flattening the rear end. At the same time, the body was placed a little higher on the chassis and lengthened to accommodate tall drivers. Also, back fins, which were part of previous automobiles, were removed in 1971. The interior of the 1971 Lotus Europa S2 was designed with the driver in mind and offered a minimalist yet functional cockpit. The car featured a simple dashboard layout, with clear and easy-to-read instruments and controls. The sport-style bucket seats provided ample support and comfort for both the driver and the passenger, and the small and light body allowed for a tight and responsive driving experience. The car also offered a small trunk for storage, although this was limited due to its compact size. Overall, the 1971 Lotus Europa S2 was a well-designed and high-performance sports car that offered a unique driving experience for its time.
Did you know?
Source: Hagerty for agents
The controversial rear fins, which according to the famous racer John Bolster everyone hated, were finally removed from the Europa design in 1971.
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