1971 Lola T212
1971 Lola T212
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1971
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T212
1971 Lola T212
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1971
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T212
About this car
Discover the history
The 1971 Lola T212 was a sports prototype racing car, part of the highly successful T210 and T290 series developed by Lola Cars for the 2-liter Group 6 racing category. Designed primarily for endurance racing, the T212 was a key competitor in the European 2-liter Championship and helped cement Lola’s reputation as one of the premier constructors of racing machines during that era.
The T212 was equipped with a Cosworth FVC engine, which was a popular choice among race teams for its reliability and performance in endurance events. This engine, coupled with the lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis, provided the car with a powerful yet nimble driving experience, making it ideal for the fast and twisty circuits that characterized the European racing calendar. The bodywork of the T212 was aerodynamically refined, with Lola engineers focusing on reducing drag while ensuring downforce for better handling at high speeds. The car’s low center of gravity and advanced suspension setup allowed it to remain stable during long stints on the track, even when the competition was fierce.
In terms of racing pedigree, the T212 quickly became one of the most dominant cars in the 2-liter class. It competed in the European 2-Liter Championship, where it regularly went head-to-head with cars from other manufacturers like Chevron and Abarth. One of the key features of the T212 was its adaptability; privateer teams could easily modify and maintain it, leading to widespread use across multiple race teams. Notably, it had a significant presence in endurance races such as the Nürburgring 1000 km, where its lightweight construction and efficient power-to-weight ratio gave it an edge over many of its competitors. The T212’s success in endurance racing wasn’t limited to European circuits; it also made appearances in races across the globe, including in the United States, where it proved to be a formidable machine.
Several famous drivers piloted the T212, including Jo Bonnier and Jo Siffert, both of whom were instrumental in the car’s success during its racing campaigns. In many ways, the T212 was a transitional model for Lola, serving as the bridge between the earlier T210 and the later, more refined models like the T290. Despite being succeeded by these later models, the T212 remains one of the most celebrated Lola racing cars due to its versatility, performance, and the sheer number of victories it achieved across various competitions.
Today, the T212 is highly sought after by vintage racing enthusiasts and collectors. It frequently appears at historic racing events such as the Goodwood Revival and the Spa Classic, where it continues to captivate audiences with its blend of 1970s engineering and racing heritage. Its impact on motorsport, especially in the development of lightweight, high-performance prototypes, can still be seen in the designs of modern endurance racing cars.
