The original Lotus Europa, a marvel of 1960s automotive engineering, ceased production in the 1970s, yet its spirit endures in the form of the Banks Europa. This modern reincarnation, heavily inspired by the Lotus 47 Sports Racing car and the Lotus 62 2.0-litre sports prototype, both celebrated for their track successes in the late 60s and early 70s, offers a unique blend of classic design and contemporary engineering. For enthusiasts seeking the thrill of a Lotus Europa without the typical maintenance concerns associated with classic vehicles, Banks Europa presents an enticing alternative, utilizing readily available Lotus Europa Car Parts in its construction, albeit of a distinctly modern variety.
Banks Europa: A Modern Interpretation of a Classic
Drawing heavily from its celebrated predecessors, the Banks Europa is meticulously hand-built to meet the highest standards, employing cutting-edge materials and components. Each vehicle is uniquely tailored to the customer’s precise requirements, ensuring a bespoke driving experience. Whether you are a seasoned racer, a track day aficionado, or simply a passionate sports car driver, Banks Europa is engineered to your specifications. A significant advantage lies in the use of modern lotus europa car parts and systems, effectively eliminating the common reliability issues often encountered with vintage automobiles.
Superior Bodyshell and Chassis
Banks bodyshells are crafted to order, utilizing 6oz isophthalic GRP. This advanced material results in a structure significantly stiffer than the original, thereby enhancing overall driving dynamics. The improved rigidity, thanks to these modern lotus europa car parts in the chassis and body construction, translates to sharper handling and a more responsive feel on the road or track. Furthermore, Banks offers a range of chassis options, from Lotus pattern designs to ultra-rigid spaceframes, each handcrafted to exacting standards. This in-house chassis fabrication allows for bespoke modifications to accommodate diverse powertrain options and customer-inspired customizations, moving beyond the limitations of original lotus europa car parts availability and design.
Reliability and Modern Components
The most notable deviation of the Banks Europa from its classic Lotus ancestor is its enhanced reliability. This is particularly evident in the electrical systems. By integrating modern components and paying meticulous attention to detail, Banks Europa provides drivers with unparalleled peace of mind. This updated electrical architecture not only ensures consistent performance but also supplies ample power for optional features such as air conditioning. For peak engine performance, the electronic ignition system is precisely mapped in-house by expert Richard Winter, a testament to the advanced lotus europa car parts and expertise integrated into each vehicle. The inclusion of air conditioning itself is a significant upgrade from the original specifications, enhancing driver comfort considerably.
Interior Comfort and Style
Banks possesses the capability to fabricate and install all trim elements in-house. Substantial improvements in both comfort and ergonomics have been achieved without compromising the iconic ambiance of the original Lotus styling. Strategic modifications to the bodyshell dimensions and refinements to the interior fittings have resulted in the 47R and 62S models being considerably more practical and comfortable than their spiritual forerunners. These enhancements represent a thoughtful evolution, maintaining the aesthetic appeal while addressing practical concerns often associated with classic sports cars and their sometimes less forgiving lotus europa car parts.
Performance and Handling
Few production vehicles can rival the exceptional handling of a Banks Europa. The suspension system features a double wishbone configuration both at the front and rear, complemented by fully adjustable AVO coil-spring damper units. Modern braking performance is assured by an upgraded dual circuit system equipped with vented discs on all wheels. While a variety of period-correct and contemporary alloy wheels are compatible, most customers favor MiniLites paired with Hankook radial tires. Under the hood, while there is no ‘standard’ engine, the Vauxhall DOHC 16 valve unit is a popular choice due to its reliability, lightweight design, and potential to deliver 200 Bhp with Banks programmed ignition. Beyond the Vauxhall unit, Banks has successfully integrated a range of engines, including Lotus, Vauxhall SOHC, Renault, Alfa, and Chevy, with options for turbo and superchargers further expanding performance possibilities. This flexibility in powertrain, coupled with modern suspension and braking lotus europa car parts, ensures a driving experience far surpassing the original Lotus Europa in both performance and dependability.
