Lotus Corps members may have seen the recent advertisements for a new scale model of the Lotus Europa Special by Automodello. If you happen to be a Europa owner or enthusiast such as myself, this model must certainly have piqued your interest, as it did mine. Earlier this year I contacted Jim Cowen, CEO of Diecasm and corporate head of Automodello for more details about this new model. Jim also referred me to Raffi Minasian who is the head of Design and Development of Automodello, which is the manufacturing arm of Diecasm. Both were very helpful in answering my many questions.
First of all, this new model Europa is going to be BIG… 1/8th scale big! Since the original car is 157.5 inches long, this model will measure just under 19.7 inches long. And we are assured that the detail on this model will be big too. Several models of the Europa Special have been offered over the years, such as the 1/12th scale plastic kit by Nichimo, the 1/18th and 1/43rd scale diecasts by Kyosho, the 1/24th scale kits by Fujimi and Tamiya, plus numerous smaller kits or pre-builts by other manufacturers. The Automodello model is going to dwarf them all.
The basic construction of the model's bodywork and interior will be a rigid polyurethane. Wheels, bumpers, and similar components will be molded of ABS plastic and then chrome plated. Glass will be replicated in transparent acetate, while lights will be molded in transparent or tinted red or orange plastic. The pin stripes that distinguished the Europa Special from the Twin Cam will be applied either as decals or pad printed, depending on the effectiveness of the process and cost. Fine trim work, such as window frames, emblems and other bright work are to be produced in photo-etched stainless steel.
The interior is to be completely detailed, with surfaces textured and painted to accurately match the original. The instruments will include fully visible numerals and indicator needles. A leatherette material may be considered for the upholstery, but production viability and costs will need to be considered.
Because of the difficulty in staying true to scale, even at 1/8th scale, there will not be any opening doors, engine cover or trunk lid. However, certain details of the engine and engine compartment will be visible through the vents in the engine cover. The front and rear suspension will likewise remain fixed, although some suspension detail will be visible. The wheels/tires will roll as would be expected.
Automodello tells us that the new model Europa is going to replicate the U.S. specification of the car. This is good news for U.S. owners and enthusiasts, as the European spec cars were indeed different in detail, and if you want a replica of your car, it should be right… right?
Automodello will produce two editions of the Europa Special:
Launch Edition - Painted in the iconic black with gold pinstriping which celebrated Team Lotus' 1972 World Championship title. The fully detailed interior will be finished in oatmeal. Each will include a serialized plaque on the plinth and a transparent protective cover. List price is $2,495.95, and limited to 74 models.
Enthusiasts Edition - Multiple production runs are to be made of only 19 models each, finished in the original factory exterior/interior color combination specified by the initial model buyer for each run. Each model will include a serialized plaque on the plinth and a transparent protective cover. List price is $1,995.95.
These model cars are being endorsed by Group Lotus PLC. Each will included a Certificate of Authenticity, personally signed by Michael Kimberly, Chief Engineer of the Europa Special, and Automodello Advisor.
Raffi Minasian states that… "While our models are made in series production, each one is carefully handmade and thoughtfully assembled to honor the traditions and performance lineage of these fine cars".
Development of the ONE8 Europa Special is still in the planning stages, and a delivery date has not yet been set. However, orders are being accepted. To preorder, visit the Automodello website: www.automodello.com/category-s/200.htm.
