1973 Lotus Europa John Player Special from North America
Summary:
I need another one!
Faults:
One wheel bearing needed replacement at 45000 miles.
General Comments:
Tended to use up OEM rear Dunlops quickly because of the suspension geometry and soft compound.
Only car I ever owned that you could drive to a go cart track, spend two hours driving karts, and feel the same effect when you drove home.
Used to drive 100 miles of curvy roads in the middle of the night just to get a cup of cocoa.
Wish I could find one in good shape!!
35 MPG at 90 MPH!!! 135 MPH with 130 HP. WOW!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th October, 2006
28th Sep 2009, 01:06
Over the years I was very lucky to have owned from the Elan, Elan Sprint, Europa, and John Player Special.
The last one I got rid of (1973 JPS) was in 1977.
These were no doubt the most fun cars I ever owned. I enjoyed them more than the Corvette that I tried later.
I still have a twin cam manual (kinda beat up now) and a few small parts for the JPS. I keep thinking I may get another one someday, but getting kinda old for that now.
Sure glad I have the memories of how great these little cars were.
Don Saylor.
8th Mar 2009, 12:47
I have owned two of these back in the day. The second one had a turbo conversion, it pushed you back into the seat! The enhanced power really made it into a different car.
Back in 73 in Rochester, I met a guy with a Yellow Miura SV. He said he admired my cars handling, I just fell in love with his. Still driving the JPS in my mind, wish I still owned it today.