Ep 9. Lotus Europa

Wheeler Dealers is an automotive show that focuses on Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead as they revamp iconic cars and sell them for a profit. For season 25, episode 9, the duo tackles a 1970 Lotus Europa. This car was ahead of its time, with a mid-engine setup and fiberglass monocoque body. Despite its unique design, the Lotus brand struggled to stay afloat, and the Europa faced stiff competition from more established automakers. This episode documents the restoration and modernization of the Europa, with Mike and Ant striving to give it a new lease on life.

The episode kicks off with Mike sharing his excitement about working on a Lotus Europa with Ant. The car they've got their hands on is a 1970 model, and it's in need of some serious TLC. The first step is to assess the exterior of the car, and the duo takes note of various areas that need attention. Mike is particularly impressed by the monocoque body, which gives the Europa a unique look and feel.

As they start working on the car, Mike and Ant discover that the Lotus Europa was not built for comfort. The interior is incredibly tight, and the seats are more akin to buckets than anything else. Furthermore, the car has no power steering, no power brakes, and no air conditioning. It's clear that the Europa was built for speed, not comfort.

The restoration process begins with a thorough cleaning of the car's exterior and interior. Mike and Ant also take the car for a quick test drive, and it's clear that there are some issues with the gears. They decide to upgrade the gearbox to a modern 5-speed unit, which should give the Europa better acceleration and improved handling.

Next up, Mike and Ant start working on the engine. The Europa was originally powered by a 1.5L Renault engine, which was later swapped out for a 1.6L Lotus Twin Cam. To bring the Europa up to speed, the duo decides to swap out the engine for a modern 2.0L Toyota unit. This should give the car significantly more power and torque, as well as better fuel efficiency.

As the restoration continues, Mike and Ant take the Europa to a specialist to replace the gearbox. The new 5-speed unit is a significant upgrade, and it should help the car achieve its maximum potential. They also install a new fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator to ensure the engine is getting the right amount of fuel.

The next step is to address the interior of the Europa. Mike and Ant decide to replace the old seats with modern racing-style buckets. This should provide better support and comfort, as well as give the interior a fresh new look. They also install a new air conditioning unit, which is a significant upgrade from the original car's lack thereof.

Finally, with the Europa fully restored and modernized, Mike and Ant take it for a spin to see how it handles. The car is transformed, with significantly more power and better handling thanks to the new gearbox. The new seats and air conditioning also make for a more comfortable ride.

Overall, the Lotus Europa restoration episode of Wheeler Dealers is a fascinating look at a car that was ahead of its time. Mike and Ant do an excellent job of revamping the car, giving it an updated look and feel while still retaining its unique charm. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic cars or automotive restoration.