The Unyielding Lola T70 Comes Alive Again: Legal for Road and Racing

The Lola T70, a prototype sports car from the mid-60s, was recognised for its sheer power and formidable presence on the racing circuit, often locking horns with legends like Ferrari, Ford and Porsche. Built by UK-based Lola Cars and typically powered by American-sourced Ford and Chevrolet V8s, the T70 has had a doable legacy in the racing world. The highly effective machine came in three distinct generations, and during its racing tenure, some of the most celebrated names, including John Surtees, Dan Gurney, and Mark Donahue, guided the T70. But now, after over half a century on the sidelines, the legendary Lola T70 is making a remarkable comeback as a road-legal revival, as mighty as ever.

The Lola T70 was introduced in 1965 as a replacement for the Mk6 sports prototype race car and quickly rose to racing success. It garnered victories in the Monterey Grand Prix and became the Can-Am Champion in 1966. Initially introduced as the T70, the car later was made available in several variations, including the MKII Spyder, the MKIII Coupe, and finally, the MKIIIB.

The T70 was characterised by its lightweight structure, crafted from an aluminium monocoque chassis and a fiberglass body. The majority of the T70s were fitted with 5.4-litre V8s boasting a massive 420bhp from Chevrolet. With the ability to achieve 0 to 100kph in under 4 seconds and a top speed nearing 200mph, it was certainly a force to reckon with. The T70 achieved major victories against popular models like the Porsche 908, and Ford GT40. The Lola T70 rightly secured its place in the annals of iconic race cars by achieving over 230 official race wins throughout its active years.