A review of the Lotus Europa 3 Series sports car, covering the development, important features and technical data of this the 13th model in the Lotus range.
In this article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Lotus Europa Series 3, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period from 1971 to 1973.
The Lotus Europa Series 3
In October 1971, the Type 74 Series 3 was launched, and featured a 1,558cc, Twin Cam, 4-cylinder Lotus-Ford engine, developing 105 bhp, with a top speed of 117 mph and a 0-60 mph time. of 7.8 dry.
Initial production used the same gearbox as in previous models.
However, in 1972, as soon as the existing stock was used, a new and stronger Renault four-speed gearbox (the Type 352) was installed.
Rear visibility was improved by redesigning the bodywork, a front spoiler was added, interior space was increased, and magnesium wheels were installed.
Europe special
In September 1972, the final variant was released.
It was the Lotus Europa Special, sporting the Big | Valve Twin Cam, as used in the Lotus Elan Sprint, and developing 126 bhp.
Equipped with a five-speed gearbox, it had a top speed of 124 mph, even though it weighed nearly 300 pounds more than the Series 1 version.
It was fitted with either Dell’Orto or Webber carburettors, a new Renault five-speed gearbox, had a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 1/4 mile stopping time of 14.9 seconds.
After the Lotus team won the Formula 1 World Championship title in 1972 and 1973, a limited edition Black Europa Special was offered, with a gold stripe, representing the first John Player Special commemorative cars.
They wore the same livery as the Grand Prix cars, as well as a JPS badge on the dash that notified the cars’ numbering sequence, and all were equipped with a five-speed gearbox.
The new car turned out to be so popular that the name and the striped decor were retained until production of the Europa ended.
In fact, the numbered dash badge was the only way to identify the first 100 JPS cars from Black Europa Specials.
In total, 4,710 Type 74 were built, of which 3,130 were “Special”, the remaining 1,580 being the S3 variant.
Cars displaying the numbered dashboard badge were exported to the US only.
In 1975, it was revealed that Lotus was working on a more elegant aftermarket model, which turned out to be the Esprit in chiseled shape and designed by Giugiaro.
Consequently, the Europa went down in motoring history as a beloved model when production ended in early 1975.
Although US exports were sporadic during 1969, the Europa was officially certified for US sale after that date.
Most of the Europes sold in the US were the 3 Series Twin Cam and Twin Cam Special models which were by far the most popular.
Unfortunately, due to strict US federal regulations, both were discontinued after 1974.
This marked the end of the Lotus Europa Series 3 Type 74
Perhaps this walk down memory lane could have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
What Morgan sports car is it? You Favorite?
However, if this question is still unanswered, I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Morgan sports cars that were featured in the memorable era spanning from 1911 to 1996.
I hope you will join me on my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane.”