Banks Europa: The Underrated British Sports Car Reimagined

Quiet Thrill - In a world where speed, style, and heritage often collide in the most extravagant ways, it's easy to overlook the quieter legends. While today's supercar conversations are dominated by roaring Ferraris and futuristic electric hypercars, there’s a gem tucked away from the limelight that deserves just as much admiration. Meet the Banks Europa — a machine that doesn’t shout for attention, but effortlessly earns respect the moment it roars to life.

The 1985 Banks Lotus Europa S2 is one of Europa Engineering’s creations, inspired by the original Lotus Europa S2 and distinguished by its prominent rear wing. (Picture from: GoodwoodSportscar in Facebook)

Back in 1966, the original Lotus Europa made its mark as a revolutionary sports car. It was built for long-distance comfort without sacrificing the signature Lotus charm of lightness and responsive handling. With its mid-engine layout and a Renault-sourced inline-four engine, the Europa was a forward-thinking design in its day. But like many cars from that era, it had its quirks — charming to some, frustrating to others. That’s where Banks steps in.

The Banks Europa 47R stays largely true to the original Lotus 47 silhouette, with a popular variation featuring reshaped wheel arches and a rear under spoiler. (Picture from: Banks Europa)

Owned and operated by Richard Winter, Europa Engineering is the only business in the world dedicated to the classic Europa marque, based in Southport, England. Rather than simply restoring old cars, Banks takes things further — reimagining the Europa with modern engineering while staying true to its timeless design. 

The Banks Europa 62S stays largely true to the "super rare" Lotus Type 62 racer, with a popular variation featuring reshaped wheel arches and a rear under spoiler. (Picture from: Banks Europa)

The Banks Europa comes in two core variants: the 47R, inspired by the legendary Lotus 47 Sports Racing car, and the 62S, based on the Lotus 62 2.0-litre sports prototype—both of which earned notable success on the track during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The outcome is nothing short of exceptional: a car that blends vintage driving excitement with modern-day reliability and performance. Each vehicle is hand-built to the highest standards, using contemporary materials and components, and tailored precisely to the customer’s individual specifications. 

The Banks Europa (pictured: the 1985 Banks Lotus Europa S2) is a modern reinterpretation by Europa Engineering, featuring an upgraded chassis, engine, and interior—and earning acclaim from Top Gear as “the British supercar you’ve never heard of.” (Picture from: GoodwoodSportscar in Facebook)

The Banks Europa may look like the original at a glance, but under the skin, it's a thoroughly enhanced machine. This particular version features a Vauxhall-sourced 2.0L 16-valve “Red Top” XE engine — a powerplant well-known for its balance of durability and performance. In addition to the Vauxhall unit, Banks have fitted a number of different engines ranging including Lotus, Vauxhall SOHC, Renault, Alfa and a Chevy. Other options include turbo and super-chargers.

The Banks Europa (pictured: the 1985 Banks Lotus Europa S2) retains its classic silhouette with subtly refined bodywork, and every detail—from the updated chassis to the upgraded interior—is carefully crafted to make it not just a car to drive, but one to truly live with. (Picture from: CarsonlineBonham)

And while it keeps the classic silhouette, the bodywork has been subtly tweaked, not to change its identity, but to refine it. Every detail, from the updated chassis to the upgraded interior, is crafted with care, making it not just a car to drive, but a car to live with.

The 1985 Banks Lotus Europa S2 powered by a Vauxhall-sourced 2.0L 16-valve “Red Top” XE engine — a powerplant well-known for its balance of durability and performance. (Picture from: CarsonlineBonham)

With over 400 cars hand-built to individual customer specs, the Banks Europa has quietly made its way into garages across the world — including Japan, where many have found new homes. Each one is a reflection of the driver’s vision, brought to life by a builder who understands what makes a great car not just fast, but unforgettable.

The 1985 Banks Lotus Europa S2 is one of Europa Engineering’s creations, inspired by the original Lotus Europa S2 and distinguished by its prominent rear wing. (Picture from: GoodwoodSportscar in Facebook)

Despite their rarity and the craftsmanship involved, these cars still fly under the radar. Priced around £30,000 and up, the Banks Europa offers a truly unique ownership experience that feels like a steal compared to other boutique sports cars. And it’s not just enthusiasts who’ve taken notice — even Top Gear dubbed it “The British supercar you’ve never heard of,” a title that perfectly captures the spirit of this underappreciated icon.

For those who crave something different — something with history, heart, and soul — the Banks-built Lotus Europa isn’t just another classic reborn. It’s a rolling reminder that passion, precision, and performance don’t always need a spotlight to shine. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones whispered between true believers, on winding roads where the car and driver connect like old friends rediscovering the joy of the journey. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BANKS-EUROPA | LOTUS-SUPPLIES | DRIVE-MY | CARSONLINE.BONHAM | GOODWOODSPORTSCAR IN FACEBOOK ]

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