1966 Lola T70 Mk II Spyder
1966 Lola T70 Mk II Spyder
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1966
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T70 Mk II
1966 Lola T70 Mk II Spyder
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1966
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T70 Mk II
About this car
Discover the history
The 1966 Lola T70 Mk II Spyder, designed by Eric Broadley, is an iconic sports car that made its mark in motorsports history, particularly in the Can-Am series. Lola Cars, which had already established itself with smaller formula cars, launched the T70 as an answer to the growing demand for powerful, mid-engine sports racers that could compete against formidable rivals like the Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512.
The Lola T70 Mk II was an evolution of the original T70 Mk I, introduced in 1965. The car benefited from Broadley’s departure from Ford, where he had worked on the GT40 project, allowing him to fully focus on creating a lightweight, high-powered racing machine. Equipped with a Chevrolet V8 engine, the T70 Mk II combined raw power with an innovative lightweight chassis. The car featured a fiberglass body mounted to an aluminum tube and steel frame, a design that kept the weight down while maximizing performance. By 1966, the Mk II was even lighter than its predecessor, incorporating more aluminum to reduce weight by around 70 pounds, making it one of the fastest sports cars of its time.
The T70 Mk II quickly became a dominant force in racing, particularly in North America. It was the car of choice for many privateers and teams competing in the Can-Am series, as well as other sports car championships. The car’s ability to house a variety of engines, particularly Chevrolet V8s, contributed to its popularity. With its wide track, low weight, and powerful engine, the T70 Mk II excelled in the Can-Am series, where Denny Hulme and John Surtees drove it to victory. Hulme alone claimed 11 wins in various competitions, and the T70 won the United States Road Racing Championship (USSRC) in 1966 and 1967.
In addition to its success in North America, the T70 Mk II also made waves in Europe. Although not as dominant in Europe due to fuel quality differences and reliability issues, it was still competitive in endurance races. One notable appearance was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the T70 was entered with an Aston Martin engine, though mechanical failures hindered its performance. Despite these setbacks in Europe, the car’s performance in shorter American races solidified its legacy.
The T70 Mk II’s design was continuously refined, with improvements such as wider wheels, better cooling systems, and revised suspension points. These changes, along with the consistent use of Chevrolet’s reliable and powerful V8 engines, allowed the car to remain competitive even as new challengers emerged. Its blend of speed, agility, and power made it a favorite among drivers, and the car is still celebrated in historic racing events today.
The Lola T70 Mk II’s influence extended beyond the race track. It became a popular car in pop culture, notably appearing in the film “Le Mans,” where it was disguised as a Porsche 917, further cementing its place in automotive history. Today, it remains one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1960s, remembered for its powerful performance and sleek design that left an indelible mark on motorsport.
