SOME cars just don't hit the spot until late in their production run, a classic example being the Lotus Europa.
The Europa promised to be something mind-blowing on its launch in 1966. Here was the world's first practical and relatively affordable mid-engined sports car, but in its early days it was held back because of disappointing performance and an absolutely claustrophobic cockpit.
The early car used a Renault 16 1,470cc engine in an Elan-type backbone chassis. It was very different for Lotus with its slabby roofline, but in my view it never had the old Elan glam.
The 1969 S2 version was a little better but it was not until 1971 that the Europa got on the fast track with the twin-cam engine it deserved in the first place.
This engine absolutely transformed the car which also received other updates including a cut-down rear deck and alloy wheels .
Hot on the heels of the Twin Cam came the real crowning glory for the Europa, the Special with 126bhp on tap and the option of a five-speed gearbox.
This gave 120mph plus performance and 0-60mph in seven seconds.
The four-wheel independent suspension was typical of the famous Colin Chapman's thinking and embodied much Formula racing thinking.
At the Europa design desk in the early 1960s was Ron Hickman, designer of the original Lotus Elan as well as inventor of the Black and Decker Workmate.
Europa was really intended the replace the timeless Lotus Seven but it was so different. It enjoyed some racing success and there was even one fitted with a Rover V8 engine by by GKN.
To honour Team Lotus's1972 and 1973 F1 World Championships a few black with gold pin stripe - plus numbered badge - Europa Specials were offered as the first ever John Player Special commemorative motor vehicles.
A modified car based on the Europa has recently been custom built by Banks/Europa Engineering with engines including a 3.0-litre Alfa V6.
But the name did not die with Lotus as there is a modern sports car the Lotus Europa SE, in the range boasting 222bhp. But this modern interpretation is really nothing like the original quirky 70s perception of sports car style.