A legend reborn: Lola Cars revives iconic T70 for road and track

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The soul of 1965 has officially broken cover in the 21st century. Sitting in solemn silence in the hallowed foyer of the London Royal Automobile Club, Lola Cars’ reimagined Lola T70 is a masterclass in "heritage-shaped" evolution.

It is a visual love letter to the original big-bore racing icon, yet underneath the familiar, curvaceous silhouette beats a heart refined by modern ingenuity.

For the purists, the T70S arrives with an FIA Historic Technical Passport – the ultimate competition weapon. For those who want to blur the lines between the paddock and the open road, the T70S GT offers a refined, road-legal gateway to the 200mph club.

Both are propelled by a monster V8, capable of an eye-watering 0-60mph sprint in under three seconds. This isn't just a tribute; it’s a technological manifesto.

“The T70S project forms part of Lola’s broader strategic focus on cutting-edge performance technologies,” explains Loal Cars CEO Mishern Chetty.

“Since 2022... we have invested heavily in the development of advanced materials, powertrain systems and supply chain innovations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of high-performance vehicles.”

But beyond the synthetic biofuels and magnesium processing lies the "raw experience" that once made the T70 a legend. Former F1 winner and Lola Ambassador Johnny Herbert was quick to note that despite the new chassis and sustainable tech, the car’s DNA remains untouched.

“What’s fascinating, obviously, is the technology that goes with it, the sustainability and everything else,” Herbert noted.

“But it still is exactly the same as the original one... I’ve always enjoyed the heeling and toeing to sinking the gear shifting up and down, mainly down. And that’s what the T-70, luckily, has that ability to talk to you while you’re driving. It’s not trying to kill you. It’s trying to help you get round the track.”

Herbert even found himself charmed by a clever 1960s relic: a spinning gear stick designed to prevent the blisters he famously endured during his racing career.

With only 16 units slated for production, this is a rare chance to own a piece of history that refuses to stay in the past. It is Lola, reimagined – faster, greener, and just as evocative as the day it first shook the foundations of motorsport.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.