Launched in 1966 Colin Chapman’s "Lotus for Europe", the Europa, was initially only available abroad. In 1969 Lotus finally gave its UK customers their own version of the Europa.

The Europa was designed by Lotus Director of Engineering, Ron Hickman. It was a scheme for Ford's GT40 Le Mans car project, which was eventually secured by rival Lola.

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. It used Chapman's backbone chassis and all independent suspension. Initially, drive came from a tuned Renault 16 engine and transmission, turned around and placed behind the driver. Hence the Europa was one of Britain's first mid-engined sports cars.