<VV> off topic: moving towards the dark side---> Ford

[Mark Noakes]

In a fit of temporary insanity, I have committed heresy and bought a Ford, but at least it's a derivative Ford and not a Ford Ford.  It's a 1974 Lotus Europa John Player Special, #168 out of 200 made.  I found it on "that on-line auction site" but it turned out to be located less than 5 miles from my house.  I'm having a hard time believing this, but the Lotus groups are telling me that there are only 6 of these cars accounted for in the world, which makes it slightly rare...I would have guessed 20 - 40.  I'm sure that there are more around; just that they are put away and no one is saying where.  Acutally, I'll be storing mine at an undisclosed location as well.  This is a project car (like I needed another one of those) so don't be too appalled at the seller's pictures located at:

http://blog.mark.noakes.com/blog/Photos/Vehicles/1974LotusEuropaJPS

I'll get some pictures of my own posted ASAPractical once I start tearing into it and documenting what is there.

The JPS cars were all black with gold pin stripes like the winning Formula 1 cars they commemorate.  The configuration is a mid-engine 2 seat sports car.  Older Europas had a Renault engine but the JPS cars and other Europa Specials used a 1.6 liter big valve double overhead cam Ford Cosworth engine hooked up to a 5 speed transaxle.  Because they only weigh about 1600 lbs, they are pretty fast despite the small engine.

My intentions are to clean it up, get it in storage, and get it documented as to what is what and where until I can get it in my restoration queue...there are several vehicles ahead of it at the moment.  I tend to prefer to modify my vehicles but I'm afraid that this one should be done straight stock.  Maybe some day, Jay Leno will want to buy it.

Mark Noakes

Personal, hobby, enthusiast vehicles, work/school, nature/travel/art photography located at:

http://blog.mark.noakes.com/

"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is usually a difference."