CHASSIS REGISTER

1976 LOLA T490 HU3

All pictures courtesy of Philippe Guélat.

HU84 following its restoration

T490/HU3 is now owned by Philippe Guélat who lives in Switzerland and the chassis is unique being the only T490 built to and officially designated by Lola as a T490B*. As can be seen from the letter from Heini Mader below, as Lola's European agent at the time, this was a one-off project that was never used for its intended purpose. The modifications to the basic design would have been concentrating on the increased weight from all the extra fuel that would be carried for the 24 Hour race as well as for the rigors of competing at Le Mans. Additionally the BDH engine would give some 50bhp more than the Sports 20000 Ford Pinto engine.

* This is confirmed by the Lola Chassis Log for the T490.

TRANSLATION.

CERTIFICATE / DESCRIPTION

Concerns: LOLA T490 chassis HU3.

We hereafter confirm that the aforementioned vehicle was ordered from Lola Cars Ltd. by Heini MADER Racing of Gland (CH), importer for Switzerland and France for LOLA automobiles. Chassis No. HU3 has been specially designed and built by Lola Cars Ltd. to receive a Ford BDH engine and a Hewland MK9 gearbox. Running gear on the chassis (including centre-lock wheel nuts) has been adapted to withstand the increased power. This car is unique in this configuration.

At first, thiscar was intended for drivers Roland Colombin and Philippe Roux as part of an abortive project planned by the Pooh jeans brand.

This car was sold new by Mr. Heini Mader to the Jura driver Rene Crétin. He competed in the Swiss Speed Championship. In 1986, Mr. Crétin sold the HU3 chassis to the driver Philippe Guélat. This owner will participate in many hill races, mainly in France. Currently this car is still in the possession of this person.

Written in January 2009 in Gland.

Heini Mader