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Topic starter
26/05/2023 9:06 pm
By the mid-1960s, the mid-engine vehicle configuration was well-established as the optimal design for Grand Prix cars, however almost no road vehicles yet used this arrangement. Lotus planned the Europa to be a volume-produced, two-seater mid-engine sports coupe built to reasonable cost, quite an ambitious goal for the time. A number of ingenious design approaches were made by Lotus to allow it to economically overcome the many challenges presented by the novel mid-engine arrangement. A small number made their way to the US and I dont believe any ever sold here in Australia. Production of the original Lotus Europa ceased in 1975, with a total of 9,230 cars of all models having been built. (Wikipedia)
This is the best quality kit I've completed. Starting with high grade glossy plastic I chose not to paint the body as white was an official color. There are photo etched grilles and badges. The air funnels attached to the carburetor are metal. All parts are easily accessible with no extraneous plastic anywhere. Taken me about 3 weeks to complete, as once I realised what I had I tried really hard not to stuff anything up! Only real mistake is the photoetched L in Lotus is slightly out of position. Its a shame that a somewhat obscure car like this is available in a high quality kit when so many other popular cars kits are, well, at times dreadful. These Europa kits are plentiful and cheap if anyone's interested.
26/05/2023 10:07 pm
fine work Geoff !!!..................this looks ultra-complex
100Ford2003 and Tony Perrone reacted
26/05/2023 10:32 pm
Geoff, you did an outstanding job on this model. I have found that the Tamiya kits are far superior than the ones made by Revell or AMT. I have built many in my past and was always amazed at the fit and finish of their kits.
100Ford2003 and Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
27/05/2023 1:09 am
thank you John and John, it really is more a case of the tools rather than the workman!
100Ford2003 and Tony Perrone reacted
27/05/2023 10:35 am
Nice work Geoff. About 45 years and 80 pounds ago I owned a 1/1. I loved that car as it handled like a go Kart.
Tony Perrone reacted
27/05/2023 11:07 am
Nice work Geoff. About 45 years and 80 pounds ago I owned a 1/1. I loved that car as it handled like a go Kart.
Now THAT, is something to write home about 😮
Pete Rovero and Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
27/05/2023 4:34 pm
Nice work Geoff. About 45 years and 80 pounds ago I owned a 1/1. I loved that car as it handled like a go Kart.
wow Bob, considering its rarity in the U.S that is something! I've never even sat in a rear/mid engined car let alone driven one.
john barry reacted
Topic starter
27/05/2023 4:36 pm
@perrone1 thanks Tony, as mentioned I just wish the other kit makers were of that standard. Now however the tractors are pretty good!
Tony Perrone reacted