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The first of the much heralded Lola T70 Mk3B chassis was unveiled at the Autosport International Show yesterday morning to an enthusiastic and nostalgic motorsport media.
Lola Executive Chairman, Martin Birrane and the company’s founder Eric Broadley were on hand to unveil the first car in a new five car series of the iconic model, which won the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours in the hands of Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons.
The continuation series gives customers a chance to buy one of the worlds best loved designs and race it in a variety of historic series around the world. Two of the five chassis have already been sold since the project was announced just three weeks ago.
At the unveiling, held on the MIA/MDUK stand and compeered by MIA founder Chris Aylett, Martin Birrane reminisced on his own personal memories of the T70 design, saying; “ The T70 series was a true classic of its time and what we have created here is a genuine continuation of the design. The fact that so many people have come to see this launch, shows its timeless qualities. Ever since I saw one race back in 1969, I have wanted to own and race one.”
Eric Broadley, who penned the original design, is a true legendary figure in motorsport and enthralled the crowd with his presence and memories of the T70 series.
“The start of the T70 really started with the Mark 6 Lola in the early sixties and the car was first raced in 1965,” said Broadley. “ It was popular with the drivers because they could really develop it and trust the chassis, especially in fast corners. The closed top version was quite attractive from a styling point of view and I think it was this that made it so popular with competitors and fans alike.”
“It is nice that so many people have so many fond memories of the car and it is super that it is still racing today,” concluded Broadley.
The Lola Mark 3B continuation series cars are set to race in various series this year. Martin Birrane has already expressed his interest in taking the car to various European destinations this summer in the Classic Endurance Series which supports the Le Mans Series.
While Lola celebrated their rich heritage at yesterdays unveiling, their latest model was been readied for its first test at Sebring next week. The Lola B06/10 LMP1 car will be shipped direct to Florida early next week to take part in the official test for this years Sebring 12 Hours.
A pair of the all-new designs will be raced by Dyson Racing in this years American Le Mans series. Powered by the new AER 3.6 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the B06/10 is set to undertake it’s first laps alongside the new diesel powered Audi R10 in Florida, which also makes its public debut.
Another Lola B06/10 is set to race in this years European based Le Mans Series and also compete at the Le Mans 24 Hours, where last year the Lola LMP2 design – the B05/40 took a class victory in the hands of the RML Group. The B05/40 also won the Le Mans Endurance Series LMP2 crown with Chamberlain-Synergy and the ALMS Constructors title with Intersport Racing.
The Sebring 12 Hours takes place on the weekend of 18/19 March.
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The undercover T70.
(Picture Glyn Jones) |
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Eric Broadley and Martin Birrane share a joke.
(Picture Jakob Ebrey Photography) |
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The unveiling ceremony in front of Autosport International visitors.
(Picture Jakob Ebrey Photography)
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The first of the Continuation Series emerges.
(Picture Jakob Ebrey Photography) |
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Eric Broadley and Martin Birrane standing in front of the new car.
(Picture Jakob Ebrey Photography) |
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The Continuation T70 still looking as good as it did in 1968.
(Picture Jakob Ebrey Photography) |
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The rear view of the first of the new Continuation Series.
(Picture Jakob Ebrey Photography) |
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Martin Birrane, Eric Broadley and Rupert Manwaring.
(Picture Glyn Jones) |
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Clive Robinson and the Team of Lola engineers and technicians responsible for recreating the T70 Mk3B.
(Picture Glyn Jones) |
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The T70 in all it's glory.
(Picture Glyn Jones) |
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Rolling back the years.
(Picture Glyn Jones) |
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