In an era defined by electrification and digitalization, Lola Cars is looking to the past to shape its future. With the unveiling of the T70S and T70S GT, the storied British car manufacturer introduces what it calls the world’s first “sustainable classics” – a pair of meticulously engineered machines that fuse historic motorsport pedigree with next-generation materials and manufacturing.
The golden era of sports car racing was defined by visceral alchemy: the smell of high-octane fuel, the roar of a small-block V8, and the unmistakable silhouette of the Lola T70. Originally penned in 1965 by the legendary Eric Broadley, the T70 was the privateer’s ultimate weapon, a car that won the inaugural Can-Am Championship in 1966, and famously toppled Ford and Porsche at the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours with Team Penske. Today, that legacy is being reborn for the modern connoisseur.
Limited to just 16 bespoke examples, this project is not a mere continuation car; it is a high-tech manifesto that proves heritage and sustainability can coexist at the pinnacle of automotive performance.
Engineering a “V8 Monster”
The T70S has been developed using original archival drawings and high-resolution scans of period-correct examples to ensure absolute authenticity. For those seeking the raw, unadulterated track experience, the T70S competition version features a lightweight aluminum monocoque and a 5.0-liter Chevrolet V8. Pumping out 530 bhp, it reaches a top speed of 203 mph and rockets from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
For the gentleman driver who prefers the open road, the T70S GT offers a UK road-registered specification. It utilizes a 6.2-liter V8 producing 500 bhp, paired with subtle enhancements for usability, including refined ergonomics and climate control.
“The T70 is not only one of Lola’s greatest designs, but one of the most iconic racing cars ever built,” says Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars. “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.”
Groundbreaking Use of Renewable Materials
In a world-first for the automotive industry, Lola has debuted the Lola Natural Composite System (LNCS). This patent-pending bodywork replaces traditional carbon fiber or GRP with a blend of natural plant and basalt fibers, bonded by a resin derived from sugarcane waste.
The result is a 100% petrochemical-free body that offers superior tensile strength and impact tolerance compared to conventional glass fiber. This innovation, alongside magnesium components extracted from seawater via solar-powered electrolysis, contributes to a 54% reduction in CO2 emissions across the manufacturing process.
A Future-Proof Collectible
With over 1,900 individual components per car, the T70S represents an uncompromising commitment to driver engagement. By perfecting the details that historical constraints once limited – such as manufacturing tolerances and material consistency – Lola has created a vehicle that is profoundly connected to its 1960s DNA.
Despite its forward-thinking engineering, the T70S remains firmly rooted in the analog driving experience. Direct mechanical feedback, precise steering, and an unfiltered connection between driver and machine define its character – qualities that modern supercars often struggle to replicate.
“Driving the T70S will be a chance to experience the past and future of motorsport simultaneously,” notes Peter McCool, Technical Director. It is a sentiment that positions the T70S not just as a vehicle, but as a blue-chip anchor for the ultra-wealthy collectors of tomorrow.
It is a compelling reminder that even in the most tradition-bound corners of the automotive world, innovation can still lead the way.
