Rainbow Warrior

Believed to be sold new as a John Player Special road-going model before being converted to the racer seen here by its original owner, this 1973 Lotus Europa went on to compete at one of the world’s top endurance sportscar races, the Daytona 24 Hours. After retiring from a race at the end of 1977 due to a refuelling fire, it returned to the track for the 1978 24 Hours, qualifying for the 58th position on the grid, and despite a clutch hydraulics failure that led to synchro damage, leaving only second and fifth gears, went on to finish in 39th place – a supreme effort.

A four-year restoration was completed in 2019 which included a replicating the red, blue, yellow, and orange livery that the car wore during the 24-hour race. Period stickers and numbering were also recreated especially. Mecum Auctions will be offering this striking 1973 Lotus Europa Race Car at their upcoming Monterey sale held between the 12-14th August 2021. Photos © Mecum / Bring a Trailer