Lotus Europa (Type 46/Type 54/Type 65/Type 74). 1966–75 (prod. for series 1, 342 series 1A and 1B, 4,294 S2, 4,950 Twin Cam). 2-door coupé. M/R, 1470, 1565 cm³ (I4 OHV), 1558 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Lightweight sports car, initially using Renault engine, with four-wheel independent suspension, conceived as a Seven successor. Odd rear styling, leading some to nickname Europa the ‘bread van’. Patchy quality at first, with some improvements for series 1A and B. Further improvements for series 2 from 1968 (Type 54), which had electric windows, and changes for US market with S2 Federal (Type 65), including 1565 cm³ Renault engine, which had less power than the standard unit thanks to emissions’ equipment. Twin Cam with Ford DOHC (shared with Élan Sprint and +2S 130) from 1971, with 120 mph performance and slightly revised styling. Europa Special from 1972, good for 125 mph. Sold as Europe in some markets.

Manufacturing location: Hethel, Norfolk, England

Marque: Lotus | Model: Lotus Europa | Successor: Lotus Esprit S1