Historic manufacturer launches motorsport world first

Historic British car manufacturer Lola has performed a world first in motorsport by launching a revived classic sports car on sustainable fuel.

The iconic Lola T70 has been rebuilt and modernised, while still featuring a monstrous 5.0-litre small-block Chevrolet V8 running on sustainable fuel. It is capable of 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds and produces 530 bhp. Its top speed is 203 mph.

Called the T70S, Lola launched the car at the iconic Royal Automobile Club in central London, attended by RacingNews365.

A road version, the T70S GT, is also in production, with Lola limiting production to 16 cars in total across both road and track-specific versions. The road version features a 6.2-litre small-block Chevrolet V8, capable of 0–60 mph in 2.9 seconds, a top speed of 200 mph, and producing 500 bhp.

Further modifications were made to the road version to ensure it passes homologation requirements to be road legal, while the track version is also FIA-approved for racing.

Despite featuring a loud and boisterous V8, CO2 emissions have been cut by 54% compared to the original, highlighting that an internal combustion engine can still be enjoyed while supporting the environment.

The T70S has been rebuilt using groundbreaking sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing processes. Original archival drawings were used to design and build the car, capitalising on high-resolution scans.

First unveiled in 1965 by celebrated designer Eric Broadley, the Lola T70 quickly established itself as a force, dominating the inaugural Can-Am Championship a year later.

It became the go-to machine for privateers challenging the likes of Ford, Porsche and Ferrari, building a formidable reputation with legends such as John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and Mario Andretti behind the wheel.

Its most iconic triumph arguably came at the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours, where Mark Donohue and Chuck Parsons secured victory for Team Penske, defeating the factory Ford GT40s and Porsche 908s.

"The T70 is not only one of Lola’s greatest designs, but one of the most iconic racing cars ever built," said Lola Cars chairman, Till Bechtolsheimer.

"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."