The Lola T70, a celebrated icon from the golden age of 1960s sportscar racing, is making a spectacular return. This legendary machine secured victory in the inaugural Can-Am championship and later won the Daytona 24 Hours.

The recently revitalized Lola Cars, which resumed operations in 2022 and is involved in Formula E, is now launching continuation versions of its most famous model. These new iterations include the T70S racer and the T70S GT road car.

Authentic Continuation with Modern Refinement

Engineering Authenticity

Lola is ensuring complete historical accuracy by developing these cars using original archival drawings. This process is augmented by high-resolution scans taken from the finest surviving period examples.

Both versions feature the classic design aesthetic of the 1960s, powered by Chevrolet small-block V8 engines. The interiors are kept minimal, reflecting their racing pedigree.

Respectful Refinement and Innovation

These Lolas are positioned as more than mere tributes; they incorporate advanced production techniques. Lola terms its methodology “respectful refinement,” aiming to perfect details previously limited by historical constraints.

A key innovation is the patent-pending Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS) bodywork. This material cloaks an aluminum monocoque chassis.

Groundbreaking Sustainable Materials

LNCS is constructed from plant and basalt fibers, bonded using waste materials derived from sugar cane processing. Lola claims this composite offers superior tensile strength compared to traditional glass-fiber composites.

Furthermore, the material reportedly provides improved impact damage tolerance over both GRP and standard carbon composites, which is beneficial for the track version.

Lola suggests this new bodywork reduces CO2e emissions by approximately 63 percent, dropping from 2,533kg CO2e to 926kg CO2e compared to traditional methods.

The use of solar-powered electrolysis in manufacturing the magnesium alloy components also contributes an estimated 80 percent reduction in CO2e. Lola believes these processes represent automotive firsts.

Performance Specifications for Track and Road

The T70S Race Car

The motorsport variant is equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 530 horsepower. Weighing under 900kg, the T70S track car is projected to achieve over 600hp per tonne and a top speed exceeding 200mph.

To ensure eligibility for historic events, all new Lola race cars will include an FIA Historic Technical Passport. Driving dynamics remain true to the original, featuring period-correct double wishbone suspension and transaxle.

The T70S GT Road Car

The street-legal T70S GT utilizes a 6.2-litre V8 engine generating 500 horsepower. Although slightly heavier and down 30hp, it remains a sub-900kg machine capable of reaching 200mph.

Lola states the GT version retains the race car's fundamental DNA while adding subtle enhancements for usability. These include some storage space, Alcantara trim, and climate control, aiming for a “minimalist but not austere” cabin.

The road car includes minor adjustments to the gearbox and suspension, executed with restraint to maintain the authentic driver-machine connection. Headsets are provided as necessary additional equipment.

Production and Vision for the Future

Lola plans to build a highly exclusive run of just 16 units across both the T70S and T70S GT models. Production is scheduled to commence shortly.

Peter McCool, Lola’s Technical Director, commented on the significance of the project. He stated, “Driving the T70S will be a chance to experience the past and future of motorsport simultaneously.” He added that the project offers “a blueprint for the future of historic motoring and motorsport” through its groundbreaking sustainable materials.