'73 Jps

[bobbythejudge]

Has anyone out there ever heard of a '73 JPS original paint being in 3 colors? I was told by a seller that his JPS came in White,Black and Bronze and is a 4 speed, also it has a "John Player Special" button in the middle of the steering wheel. I never heard of such a thing. I think that whomever sold them this car put a JPS steeing wheel on it and told them it was a JPS. This car is not in bad shape but is a horrible brown or bronze color from the pics I saw of it, if I were to buy it I would paint it black right off. If anyone can enlighten me on this , I would appreciate it, Thanks Bobbythejudge

[Autocross7]

My reply under the 71' JPS thread...

Well, there is really no such thing as a 'factory type 47 JPS" as I understand it. These were trim packages sent to dealers for the big valve cars. The dealers would apply the JPS markings. Usually for obvious reasons, the decals etc... were put onto black Europas. However, it would not be unheard of for the trim to have made it onto any other color car. So, in short, all of the Europas in JPS trim were simply "trim jobs".

John Viviani at the Barber Motorsports Museum is really more of an expert on this matter than I am... I suppose you could call the museum and ask for him. Or e-mail him... geeno@supersevens.com he might take a bit to get back to you on e-mail.

Cameron

[WayneB]

Bobby, Im no expert on the Europa but from what I can remember the Twin Cam Europas were only called JPS or John Player Specials when they were black with gold stripes, but although they were numbered (to 100 ?) I dont think they carried any JPS logos at all (just the world champion constructors badge on the trunk.)

The others were just called Europa Specials and they were special primarily because they were fitted with the new "Big Valve " version of the Lotus twin-cam.

No matter what availible colour you ordered they all came with the Oliver Winterbottom designed gold striping scheme and the Lotus style (made by Dunlop) alloy wheels.

I have seen white, blue metalic, brown metalic, and of course black Europa Twin Cam Specials with the stripes.

I believe they also made Yellow, red, and maroon ones.

So to answer your question, the owner did add the JPS logos to the car.


http://uk.geocities.com/autoliteraturecollector/cars/Lotus.1973.Europa.folder.gb.jpg

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks for the comebacks, I will wait another day when a 5 speed comes along . I would buy an Europa if I find the right one. This 4 speed does not get it though.

[WayneB]

The aptly named Lotus Europa for sale has a few Twin-Cam Europa Specials on their site ATM.:)

It appears Europas arent as cheap as they were a few years ago.:ohmy:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/forsale.html

[Autocross7]

The aptly named Lotus Europa for sale has a few Twin-Cam Europa Specials on their site ATM.:)

It appears Europas arent as cheap as they were a few years ago.:ohmy:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/forsale.html

Afraid not. Many of the classic and more exotic cars are climbing a bit in value. The Esprit is really starting to climb a bit... IMO we are on the edge of the classic exotic car boom much the way the muscle cars did a few years ago. Great for values... bad for any additions to my collection.:001_unsure:

Cameron

[bobbythejudge]

I have another question for you all, what would it take to convert a 4 speed trans to a 5 speed? Anyone ever have it done or know what the approx. cost would be? This Europa I'm thinking of buying has the 4 speed and I would rather have the 5 and would do this if I buy it right.

[Autocross7]

I have no idea... however, it seems like more hassle, money, and trouble than it's worth on my knee jerk reply.

I would assume that you would have to source a 5 speed tranny as just adding a 5th gear is not a likley path (?). Seems easier to live with a 4 speed or find a 5 speed. Just curious, what's the issue with a 4 speed. Are planning to build up a race car or restor/drive a classic? If you want a racer, then I'd would source as many good parts as possible and assemble the car out of parts as numbers matching does not really matter that much... Then you can start with a chasis and work your way out to the paint and finnish.

Cameron

[WayneB]

The gearbox Lotus used was the 5 speed front wheel drive Renault 17 Gordini unit.

You could retrofit one If you could find one I suppose, they did sell them in North America for a while.

http://hybrid-wheels.com/eBay-Pictures/1974-Renault-17-Gordini-Coupe-12-12TL-Introducing-ad.jpg

[Tony K]

Look into a transaxle from a Fuego, sold here in North America. I think it fits and works. :)

[bobbythejudge]

Thanks for all the comebacks, The more I hear from other sources, more I think now I ought to buy this 4 speed. I just want it to drive as a fun car and always wanted one after test driving a new one back around '74. It needs carbs rebuilding for one and maybe some minor restoring and a black paint job. Thanks again

[WayneB]

Heres a pic of Ronnie Peterson in his JPS Europa Special company car to inspire you.:icon18:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/WayneBarr/RonniePetersonJPSEuropa.jpg