Lola T70S Takes Us Back to the Golden Era of Endurance Racing

The 1970s is regarded, by many, as the golden era of long-distance endurance racing. Brands such as Dome, Courage, Huron, Matra, Shadow, Eagle and BRM fought against giants Porsche and Ford at famous circuits on both sides of the Atlantic. However, most of those small-scale race teams faded into obscurity. One has been revived and looking to make a comeback with a retro-themed machine. Say hello to the Lola T70S. Just 16 examples of this continuation racer will be made.

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The T70 is not only one of Lola’s greatest designs, but one of the most iconic racing cars ever built. The T70S represents an entirely unique example of preserving motorsport heritage while advancing sustainable innovation; a car identical to the original fire-spitting, Steve McQueen-era, V8 monster, but refined with advanced manufacturing processes, sustainable materials and an unparalleled attention to detail
– Till Bechtolsheimer, chairman, Lola Cars

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A Nod to the Past

The Lola T70 was developed by Lola Cars in 1964 and would become one of the most iconic racing cars of its era. Like many of its counterparts, the T70 was a low-slung, fit-for-purpose machine with a slim silhouette and short tail. The modern-day version keeps these design hallmarks, making it instantly recognisable to race fans.

Rather than reinterpret the original, Lola has focused on perfecting the details that historical constraints once limited. This includes improvements in manufacturing tolerances, material consistency and component integration, all achieved without altering the essential T70 DNA. Each example comprises over 1 900 individual components and reflects extensive collaboration across a specialised global supply chain.

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Staying True

The Lola T70 was ahead of its time. This modern version takes its cues from its progenitor. As a result it is based around an aluminium monocoque to keep its mass as low as possible. It is suspended by a proper, racecar-like double wishbone set-up at both ends.

One area that is completely new, even if it looks straight out of the 1960s is the bodywork. The shape remains true. However, the entire T70S bodywork is 100 per cent ‘natural’ (petrochemical-free). A patent-pending Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS) combines all-natural fibre with a wholly plant-based resin system. Lola says it has the aim of setting a new benchmark for eco-composites in automotive and motorsport.

Road and Race

There will be two versions of the revived T70: the T70S and T70S GT. The latter is road-legal.

Under the rear clamshell of the S is a small block Chevy V8. The 5,0-litre unit produces 395 kW and 575 N.m of torque. Those numbers may sound weedy in an age of 2000 hp supercars. However, the T70s tips the scales at just 860 kg. As a result it has a power to mass ratio of 460 kW/ton. That puts it in the same league a McLaren P1 or Ferrari LaFerrari. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

Lola’s press material says the reimagined supercar can blast from 0-100 km/h just 2,5 seconds, to 200 km/h in 8,9 and that it has a top speed of 322 km/h. The engine and transmission are period correct that allows Lola to provide the car with an FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP), which means it is eligible for historic racing series.

The road friendly GT version (blue car pictured) has a larger 6,2-litre Chevy V8. This engine produces ‘just’ 373 kW along with 616 N.m of torque. It weighs a touch more at 890 kg. The benchmark sprint is said to take 2,9 seconds for the GT with a top speed of 327 km/h.

F1 winner and Lola test driver, Johnny Herbert says: “The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, to hear that roar from the V8 sitting right behind you is something that always gets your emotions going. You get a lot of confidence from that feeling of being right on the edge, it gives you a beautiful sense of connection with the car.”