A fellow just recently bought a Lotus Europa Twin Cam painted similar to a JPS Special and sporting a five speed transmission. Now he’s expressing regret and says he’ll offer it for sale consequent to health problems that will keep him out of the drivers seat for over a year.
I wrote him some advice:
“At first you’re buying a car. Just a car. Then with some research and especially some actual attention to the needs of the thing, you begin to grasp what you have. Some people get rid of them because they don’t realize what they have, others – because they realize what they’ve gotten into. Mine sat three years while I came to grips with the awful magnitude of its needs. In that time I was busy with research for parts and plotting the future course of my ownership and it dawned on me at some point that this isn’t an ordinary car, even though in the most superficial ways it certainly is. It’s not pretending to be anything and it’s not a throw together answer to market trends. It’s authentic. It is a real drivers car with no guile. Designed and manufactured under the direction of Colin Chapman. So if you decide to sell it, the hope is that someone who can be enlightened or already is takes it under their wing and lets it work it’s way into the place that rare things of consequence enjoy when they’re understood and appreciated. If you aren’t there yet and have the means to bide your time while it soaks in just what you’ve got, then I recommend letting this process continue to evolve. Europa’s are not for everyone. For that, there are many better choices. For those who understand, other cars won’t satisfy in the same ways. It’s like the heady, energetic, common sense woman both fit and pretty who suits you fine, as long as you understand that she is what she is and won’t be like the other girls in a lot of ways.”
To be sure, I haven’t had that woman in my life in the same way this car is in my garage and I haven’t driven the car. I haven’t even sat in it.
How can I be so sure of these things? I just went through the chassis and renewed it end to end. Nearly finished with that process. Meanwhile I’ve come to know the history and experience the testimonies of past and present drivers. So let’s just say I’m taking it on faith. All the evidence points one way. This is the sort of car I adore. I suspect an Elan Coupe would be another very good ownership experience, even if the fragility will require diligent care in ownership. It is what it is. And I am quite hopeful.
