Europa TCST (Turbo)

I figured I would start an actual build thread....

This story probably begins around 1969 when I saw a Europa in a store parking lot, I also saw my first Mach 1 at that time and since they came out that year I figure this was the year... they both left an impression I would not forget.

I have owned Mustangs - 1976 Mustang II V6 4 speed, 64.5 Mustang roller, 1965 Fastback 4V 289 A/C PB, 1981 Turbo notchback with TRX suspension package and wheels, and a 1986 Comp Prep SVO Mustang (sold to my son to finance Lotus - this car was on the cover of MM&FF and in their 2.3 Turbo shootout)....but I wanted to build a car....

After asking many questions on a Lotus forum I got a PM from the original owner of a Twin Cam Special that was turbocharged in 1975....was I interested....of course I was! He had all the paperwork from factory etc, never been wrecked....but it has been sitting since 1977.....

Me looking at car February 15 ,2020. 

Then covid hit....no traveling to other states etc. and this was in another state...took awhile to get it home...

Getting car October 24, 2020

Vintage turbo system

The dead dino lube had turned to dead dino glue after 40 years and the motor was stuck....the coolant that was never drained, turned into White Crystal Mess .... rodents had taken up lodging in the front "T" section of the chassis and designated that the toilet area and 40 years of wizz rotted it out .... they even lived in the muffler, downpipe, exhaust housing, glove box etc., it had become the Classy Critter Condo!  Every bolt that could be stuck was stuck .... I will do a quick update here, and then try to update weekly. I have 55 pages elsewhere if you want to see more pics.....just search for "Europa TCST" and you will find it.