Banks Europa for sale on The Market

flexwing

Member
Messages
256
Hello all, noticed a Banks Europa for sale on The Market. I've always been interested in Europa's but put off by the sheer Lotusness of them (you know what I mean!)
This seems to be a recreation which aims to improve reliability and driveabilty. To be honest it pretty much seems like a completely different car that appears roughly like the original!
I confess I am intrigued by this car and wondered if the collective wisdom of this great forum might shine a light on the merits or not of buying it.
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
I was not ever a great fan of the Europa in the first place, but i am not sure i would want the banks one. it is not a replica, it is obviously a kit/special sort of thing. If you like it and really want one buy it for sure. But do not be mislead here, this is not more special than a real one, its some thing else. More unique perhaps. I would think it would be tricky to sell again too.
 

flexwing

Member
Messages
256
Didn't they have a 2lt VX red top in them?
Quite a few years ago I recall.
This one indeed has the red top in it although just about any engine can be installed. It appears that Banks are still operating with racing being an interest. I'm not sure if you need a donor car as just about every component can be replaced including chassis and body shell. The one in the auction is dated as 1985 although registered 1969.
 

MRichards

Member
Messages
278
The Banks car is what the Lotus Europa should have been if Lotus had developed the car properly. You will find the Banks version will go like stink & handle well,plus,it's reliable. Can't say that about a Europa.
 

flexwing

Member
Messages
256

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Thanks MarkMas, I should have attached the link. The current bid is £20K which is getting close to my threshold. It looks a great car but with limited history and I have absolutely no idea how it drives. I suspect pretty hard core and uncomfortable. I would get rid of the wing and canard if successful.
I'm going to try and speak to Banks and get a little bit more info.
 

P5Nij

Member
Messages
2,371
I quite like it being a fan of the Europa anyway, but I'd ditch the rear wing and front spoiler and change the small quad headlamps for a pair of rectangular Cibies. I'd probbaly change the wheels too, perhaps go for a set of deep dish Revolutions or GKNs. It reminds of another one off Europa....

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whereskeith

Member
Messages
821
I think that’s a great buy, what else can you get for that money these days ? everything has gone nuts , I just saw a Saab 900 turbo with 160k Kms advertised fir 52k euro .
 

P5Nij

Member
Messages
2,371
The great thing about them is that they can (fairly) easily be transformed back to original spec or pushed even further in the other direction. For a model that had less than 10k built there are a good number of survivors too. I had a ride in a slightly modified 1971 S2 last month which was an absolute hoot.
 

flexwing

Member
Messages
256
I quite like it being a fan of the Europa anyway, but I'd ditch the rear wing and front spoiler and change the small quad headlamps for a pair of rectangular Cibies. I'd probbaly change the wheels too, perhaps go for a set of deep dish Revolutions or GKNs. It reminds of another one off Europa....

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Yep, my thoughts as well. This one is the type 62R which is based on the racing Europas of the time.
My main concern is its lack of history. Registered originally in 1969 but reregistered in 1985 with the 2l engine etc. It was apparently imported at some time. Looking at the condition, I cant believe the Banks conversion was undertaken in 1985. It looks pristine and mileage is only a few hundred miles. I'm going to contact Banks to find out when the conversion was completed. All mot history dates from 2018.
My theory is that the car was imported in 1985 but the conversion was done in 2018.
Anyway, it looks great in my eyes once its lost the spoiler and splitter.
 

flexwing

Member
Messages
256
I think that’s a great buy, what else can you get for that money these days ? everything has gone nuts , I just saw a Saab 900 turbo with 160k Kms advertised fir 52k euro .
Unfortunately I think this will go for nearer 30k. Probably too rich for me at that price. I suspect you could build your own for that kind of money.