1967 Lola T70 Mk III Coupé
1967 Lola T70 Mk III Coupé
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1967
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T70 Mk III
1967 Lola T70 Mk III Coupé
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1967
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T70 Mk III
About this car
Discover the history
The 1967 Lola T70 Mk III Coupé, developed by Lola Cars and designed by Eric Broadley, was born out of the company’s success in the Can-Am series and intended as a competitor in both endurance racing and Group 4 GT racing. The Mk III version built on the success of its predecessors, but its main difference was its coupe body, designed for improved aerodynamics and high-speed stability. The Lola T70 was powered by a mid-mounted Chevrolet V8 engine, which, combined with its lightweight fiberglass body and steel frame, made it a potent force on the track. The car could reach speeds of up to 200 mph, which made it particularly competitive in endurance races like Le Mans.
Despite its promising technical specifications, the Lola T70 Mk III had a mixed racing record. While it was capable of reaching impressive speeds, the car often struggled with reliability issues. At the 1967 Le Mans, for example, John Surtees and David Hobbs drove a T70 Mk III powered by a newly developed Aston Martin V8 engine. Unfortunately, the car only lasted 25 laps before retiring due to mechanical failure. The factory team eventually ceased supporting the Mk III in racing, and privateers took over its competition career.
The Mk III’s greatest success came in the United States, particularly in the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) racing series, where it was driven by notable racers like Ron Southern and Ed Leslie. Southern competed with the car at Laguna Seca and other SCCA events, achieving a second-place finish at one of the national races. Despite mechanical setbacks, the car continued to be raced by different private owners throughout the years. One of its more notable victories came in 1989, when Monte Shallet drove a T70 Mk III to a win at the GT40 reunion race at Watkins Glen.
Over time, the T70 Mk III was overshadowed by rivals such as the Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512, which were developed with superior technology and resources. Nevertheless, it continued to be popular with private racers and vintage racing enthusiasts. The car’s combination of American power and British engineering made it a favorite in historic racing events, where its impressive performance and striking design could still be appreciated.
In addition to its performance, the Lola T70 Mk III’s design was iconic. Its bodywork, created by aerodynamics expert Tony Southgate, was sleek and aggressive, reflecting the car’s racing intentions. The design allowed for significant airflow management, crucial for the high speeds reached on circuits like Le Mans’ Mulsanne Straight. The car’s low stance, wide track, and mid-engine configuration provided excellent balance and handling, traits that helped it maintain competitiveness despite its reliability challenges.
Today, the Lola T70 Mk III is a sought-after collector’s car, valued both for its racing history and its status as one of the most beautiful sports prototypes of its era. Examples of the car still compete in vintage racing events like the Le Mans Classic, where they continue to demonstrate their formidable capabilities.
