Ref 69
1967 Lotus 46 R Europa
Chassis Number: 46-0243
The original Europa used Lotus founder Colin Chapman's minimalist steel backbone chassis that was first used in the Lotus Elan, while also relying on its fibreglass moulded body for structural strength. The Europa was the first mass production, mid-engine road car and was based on a prototype built to compete for Henry Ford II's contract to build a Le Mans racing car in the early 1960s.
The Europa was designed and built to be an embodiment of Chapman's oft-stated philosophy of automotive design: "Simplify, then add lightness."
The 4-wheel independent suspension was typical of Chapman's thinking; the rear suspension consisted of two relatively large trailing arms, one lower locating link per side, and the axles were used as upper locating links; very similar to Formula racing car designs of that era. Aside from the doors, bonnet, and boot, the body was cast as a single unit of fibreglass.
The car's handling prompted automotive writers to describe the Europa as the nearest thing to a Formula car for the road. The Series 1 or S1 Europa (also known as Lotus Type 46) was announced for sale to European markets on December 20, 1966. The first cars were delivered in France in February 1967, sold as Lotus Europe.
This extremely rare Lotus 46R was delivered new to Hawaii by 'Lotus Components' as a thoroughbred racing car. With a 1.6 litre Renault Gordini engine developing 162bhp, it has had a long and very successful US racing history and would be ideal for classic sports car racing anywhere in the world. All of the car's history is documented by logbooks dating back to 1967.
Finished in Yellow with Black trim, this Europa is said by its current owner to be in superb condition and represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of Colin Chapman's most celebrated designs.
Dieser seltene Lotus 46R wurde ursprünglich als reinrassiger Rennwagen nach Hawai ausgeliefert. Mit seinem 1.6 Liter Renault Gordini Motor, der ca, 162 PS mobilisiert, hatte dieser Wagen eine lange und erfolgreiche Renngeschichte in den USA und ist dwer ideale Wagen für zahlreiche historische Rennen. Eine umfangreiche Dokumentation der Renngeschichte begleitet dieses Fahrzeug, was sich nach Angaben des Einlieferers in hervorragendem Zustand befindet.
Estimate: € 28,000 - € 34,000
