The Kinks may have sung about Lola, but she was (ahem) a woman back in 1970. This Lola, however, dates from 1963 and has DNA that was taken by Ford to create the Le Mans-winning GT-40. This Mk. 6 GT will cross the block at Monterey August 15, 2014 courtesy of RM Auctions.
The Lola brand has a storied history in competitive racing, but the Mk. 6 GT is a standout because it’s an early example of a mid-engined large-bore racer. Lola’s Eric Broadley was the first to design a vehicle like this thanks to a Colotti Type 37 four-speed transaxle that had previously demonstrated its strength with Ferrari V-12s. Broadley combined his aluminum monocoque chassis with a Ford small-block V-8, and John Frayling wrapped it all up in sexy fiberglass bodywork that set the template for future 1960s mid-engine sports cars and racers such as the Lamborghini Miura and De Tomaso Mangusta.
Lola built one non-running prototype to attract interest, then built two more. After entering vehicle in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Lola garnered the interest of Ford Motor Company, which was still reeling from Ferrari’s rejection. Ford supplied Lola with motors and financing to further develop the Mk. 6. Both the prototype and the Le Mans car were purchased by Ford for R&D that would eventually lead to the GT-40.
Texan team owner John Mecom bought car LGT-2, which Ford also wanted to purchase, but Mecom disliked his treatment by the automaker and instead had Lola install a Traco-tuned Chevrolet small-block. It eventually crashed in 1964 and lay dormant until it was sold in 1986 and restored a few years later.
- The last Mk. 6 GT of three examples produced
- Wheelbase: 92.8 in.
- 530-horsepower, 5.7L Chevrolet with four Weber 48DCOE carburetors.
- Four-speed manual Colotti Type 37 transaxle
- Four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
- Four-wheel Girling hydraulic disc brakes
- Winner of the 1963 Nassau Tourist Trophy
- Piloted by American racing legends Augie Pabst and Walt Hansgen
- Groundbreaking development basis for the celebrated Ford GT40
- Recently restored by Hall and Hall (of England)
- Accompanied by a MSA Historic Technical Passport
RM estimates this Lola to reach $1,500,000-2,000,000, so you know this isn’t just any race car – it’s one of three built, the only one privately owned, and the only one with a Chevy engine. With DNA that would eventually be used by the Ford GT-40, this Lola will complement just about any race car collection.
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