Gold Leaf Lotus Europa

[Gluebomber]

Below are some pics of the Tamiya Lotus Europa in the Gold Leaf livery.  This kit was originally issued in 1999 and was recently re-released by Tamiya with additional p/e parts, turned aluminum carb intakes, alternate wheels, and a rear wing. 

Sponsorship liveries replaced national team colors for the first time in Formula 1 in 1968 with the red, white, and gold of Gold Leaf tobacco colors of the Lotus 49.  I saw pictures of these colors used on a Lotus Europa and decided it would make a good looking model.  My version isn't intended to be a replica of any specific car, but more of a tribute to the brand and colors.

The model is built pretty much box stock.  I added some engine wiring but everything else came with the kit.  Paint is Tamiya Spray Italian Red (TS-8) and Pure White (TS-26) decanted, mixed with Gunze Leveling Thinner, and airbrushed.  The gold parts were sprayed with Alclad II Pale Gold and chrome trim was done in Alclad II Chrome and a Molotow Liquid Chrome marker.  The Gold Leaf markings are from Indycals with the remaining decals from my spares.

Overall, the kit went together very well.  I hope you like the pictures.  All comments and constructive criticism are welcome.          

Edited May 18, 2021 by Gluebomber
typo

[skymnky721]

Awsome Racer,,these were cool little cars in the day,,worth alot of $$ these days

[PappyD340]

Looks great!

[Rich Chernosky]

Sharp looking model...luv the livery

[Bainford]

Very cool Europa. With the exception of the wing, it looks just like a tidy club racer. Europas look great in Gold Leaf livery, and yours is no exception. Well done!

I have the same kit on the bench right now. It goes together well, and Tamiya really got much of the subtle details right, though unfortunately, as they often do, Tamiya made the wheels/tires too large. There's not much to be done about it though, as the Europa wheels (the stock road wheels) are unique and the pickings are slim for decent 13" tires in scale. It's a shame, too, because they nailed the rest of it.

[iBorg]

I love the Gold Leaf livery. It the JPS and Gulf liveries may be the most beautiful in autosport. I have only seen one Europa in person. It was in a camp ground where the driver was tent camping across several states. The owner of course was wrenching on it trying to get it to run. 

[cobraman]

Cool looking model, well done !

[Gluebomber]

Thanks for the kind words, Guys. 

[Safire6]

Very nice Lotus!