Colin Chapman, the company’s founder, wanted a fast “Lotus for Europe” and, as its name suggests, the Europa was launched in 1966 but at first it was only available abroad.

After three years of pestering, Lotus finally gave its UK customers their own version in the S2 which was more luxuriously equipped. It was one of Britain’s first mid-engined sports cars with a tuned Renault 16 engine and transmission, turned around and placed behind the driver. It also had a refined interior including a polished wood-faced dashboard, electric windows, fully adjustable seats and the option of a radio.

The original design of the Europa went back to 1963 and was penned by Lotus Director of Engineering, Ron Hickman (who also designed the Elan and the Black and Decker Workmate). It was initially a scheme for Ford’s GT40 Le Mans car project but when that was secured by rival Lola, it was used for Lotus instead!

Chapman put his philosophy of automotive design, into the Europa; “simplify, then add lightness”. At only 42 inches high and with a sleek, lightweight glass-fibre body, it was very aerodynamic.  Its Cd 0.29 drag co-efficient is envied even today. Combined with a lightweight backbone chassis, which had been successful in the Elan, he applied all his racing know-how to create a fast road car that was also economically viable.