1972 Lola T290
1972 Lola T290
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1972
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T290
1972 Lola T290
Brand
Lola Cars
Year
1972
Country
Great Britain
Generation
T290
About this car
Discover the history
The Lola T290, launched in 1972, represented a significant step forward for Lola in the two-liter sports prototype category. Built in response to the new Group 5 and Group 6 regulations, the T290 was a versatile and high-performance machine designed to compete in international endurance racing, specifically the European 2-Litre Championship. The car was engineered under the guidance of Lola’s founder Eric Broadley, with contributions from chief designer Bob Marston and up-and-coming engineers like Patrick Head and John Barnard, who would later become prominent figures in Formula 1.
The Lola T290’s construction featured an aluminum monocoque chassis, offering a rigid yet lightweight structure. This was crucial for handling and performance in long-distance racing. The car was fitted with fiberglass bodywork, sculpted to be aerodynamic while keeping the overall weight low. Unlike the higher-powered Lola T280, which ran three-liter engines, the T290 was built primarily for two-liter engines, most commonly equipped with the Cosworth FVC or Ford Cosworth BDG units. The T290 was remarkably adaptable, able to accommodate other engine types, including Ford-based engines and BMW powerplants in later versions.
On the technical front, the T290 incorporated independent suspension systems, disc brakes, and other sophisticated racing components of the era. Its low-slung body, rear-engine layout, and large rear wing contributed to both high-speed stability and nimble handling, which were critical for the mixed conditions of European endurance racing circuits. The combination of chassis balance, lightweight design, and engine flexibility made the T290 a popular choice among privateer teams, ensuring its competitiveness and longevity.
In terms of its racing pedigree, the T290 quickly made its mark. Upon debut, Guy Edwards piloted the car to a class victory at Snetterton in 1972, and later to another win in the Nürburgring Interserie race. Throughout the early 1970s, the T290 would prove a formidable competitor in the 2-Litre Sports Car Championship, where it achieved multiple podiums, often against works-backed teams with more resources. Notably, Chris Craft secured the European 2-Litre title in 1973, driving the car with a Cosworth BDG engine.
The T290’s success wasn’t limited to European circuits. In South Africa’s Springbok series, it also performed well, driven by Edwards and Paddy Driver. The car’s reputation for reliability and versatility was further solidified by privateers who raced it extensively. For example, Tony Birchenhough entered the car in numerous endurance races, including iconic events such as the Nürburgring 1000 km and Spa 750 km. His team’s T290 also participated in the demanding 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1976, finishing second in class, a remarkable achievement for a largely amateur effort.
As regulations and competition evolved, so did the T290, spawning several variants like the T292 and T294. These versions incorporated aerodynamic improvements, such as revised bodywork and relocated brakes to reduce unsprung weight, boosting handling precision. The T290’s legacy extended well beyond its immediate competitors, as its design philosophy influenced future Lola prototypes, continuing the marque’s tradition of engineering excellence in sports car racing.
In sum, the Lola T290 stands as a highly successful sports prototype that thrived in endurance racing. Its balance of technical sophistication, adaptability, and race-winning capability ensured its place as one of Lola’s most iconic and enduring models in motorsport history.
