Simplify Then Add Lightness or Things My 1974 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special Doesn't Have

Colin Chapman was right when he said "simplify, then add lightness" I believe that I have kept true to his advise in my journey to restore and enjoy this 1974 Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special.

[@taylorjs2534]

The original starter motor is a lot heavier than a modern replacement. The seats are surprisingly heavy - I haven't replaced them yet, but home-made carbon fibre seats might not be as expensive as they sound. My 1970 came with very simple brakes. One day I'll do the manifold swap... problem is that the intake and exhaust are a single piece on my car so both have to be replaced. That said, they are still be lightest cars on the road without our modifications.

[@michaellarimer2775]

When I brought my Europa back from Puerto Rico to Atlanta the first thing that failed was one of the brake boosters. This was 1982 and there were no dealers in town although a "former" dealer, a Buick dealer, still had a tech that knew about the brand. He diagnosed the problem but couldn't fix it. I ordered parts from RD Enterprises and fixed it myself. The vapor canister and the pair of exhaust tubes were already gone because of the Weber conversion.

[@lotusbobsgarage]

Ray over at RD Enterprises is great! The previous owner re-piped the car for 0 brake boosters. I have never felt that the brakes were inadequate. Thanks for your comment and please subscribe.

[@LooseNut099]

I know what you’re doing Bob, but you won’t discourage me from dreaming of Europa ownership. Keep up the great work.

[@lotusbobsgarage]

I truly hope all your dreams come true. Thank you for your comments.

[@jefflavigne1747]

I’ve owned my Europa for 45 years. Most of the mods you’ve described I’ve done as well. But the front boot blower motor; you need that to push air through the heater core especially for de-misting the windshield. Another weight saver? Replace the steel splash shield under the brake master cylinder with an aluminum one. Need to re-route the ground wire from the front to the rear of the panel, but saves a couple of pounds.

[@lotusbobsgarage]

Yeah, that steel plate could be replaced. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jamesbabbitt737]

You get a thumb up just because you have a Lotus Europa !! and a subscribe too !!

[@lotusbobsgarage]

Thanks, I appreciate your support