A dusty old sports car found locked away in a barn for 35 years is now set to sell for £8,000.
The 1975 Lotus Europa Special 1558cc hadn’t been driven since 1990.
It was discovered during a routine valuation visit.
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It is thought to have had just one owner from new.
Valuer Liz Poole found the car locked away in the barn where it had lain hidden from the world for over 30 years.
With a mileage of 67,644, its last road tax expired in July 1990 and the car hadn’t been driven since.
Liz Poole said: “The Europa was a groundbreaking Lotus which influenced the design of later models such as the Excel and Elite.
“This iconic model was produced for a decade between 1966 and 1975, and the one we have in our auction was its swansong.”
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The Lotus Europa was based on founder Colin Chapman’s vision of a light mid engined sports car, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Later models – including the 1975 version – featured the Lotus-Ford twin cam engine, while earlier models used less powerful Renault engines.
The car is being sold exactly as found, apart from having air added to the tyres, which are still holding pressure.
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The auctioneer added the engine had not been started for many years and will need recommissioning after such a long period without use.
It is being sold by The Cotswold Auction Company in Cirencester, Wilts in September.
And has an estimate of £5,000 to £8,000.
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