Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Lola T7o Mk IIIB Spider
s/n SL75/122
Blue Dan Gurney #36 AAR Livery

One of the most beautiful race cars ever built and brilliantly constructed with the most sophisticated methods and technology of the times, the Lola T70 remains among the most important race cars ever built. And while the T70 stands proudly on its own merits, the result of largely cottage industry innovation, the first mid-engine Lola is historically considered the conceptual father of the iconic Le Mans winning GT40; a remarkable distinction considering that it changed the course of motorsports, while influencing construction methods still in use for modern competition cars today.

Established in 1958 by Eric Broadley, a talented engineer and businessman, Lola cars was a fledgling company eager to make their name in the growing racing field. The UK based company began building front-engine sports cars, though rapidly expanded their offerings into more experimental ventures. But it would be their ground-breaking work on the Lola Mk6 coupe fitted with a Ford engine that would capture the attention of Ford engineers, who eagerly tapped Broadley for innovative contributions to the development of the Ford GT40. During this intense two-year period, the GT40 incorporated numerous ideas including Broadley’s sophisticated construction methods, suspension geometry, and body design.

Exhausted and frustrated by the limitations imposed by internal corporate brass at Ford, Broadley freed himself from his contract and returned to Lola with newfound determination. Armed with the experience offered from multi-million-dollar racing budgets, Lola built their unique aluminum monocoque design as the platform that would become the Lola T70. An immediately formidable competition car, the T70 offered phenomenal and reliable performance, world class chassis engineering, and superlative handling in part due to the sophisticated suspension but also due to the high-speed aerodynamic efficiency designed into the Peter Jackson body. All this resulted in John Surtees taking the first Can Am Championship crown in 1966 winning five of the six races in his T70, not to mention Porsche taking notice of the highly effective Lola design, purloining the distinctive rear treatment for their 917.

Although first offered in open configuration when introduced, Lola eventually built cars in both closed and open top “spyder” configuration, each of which relied on the lightweight yet robust aluminum monocoque tub. The tremendous horsepower, mid-engine design, and improved Mark III brakes culminated in 1969 when Lola T70s finished first and second place in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

According to references cited in “Lola T70 – The Racing History and Individual Chassis Record” by John Starkey as well as history shared by former owners, this car, SL75/122, was sold new to Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers through Carl Haas. One of four factory lightweight spiders, Gurney ran the car with 5.8 Liter and 6.3 Liter Ford engines, qualifying in the top three for subsequent races, earning pole positions, running impressively fast laps, and quickly establishing a lead position early in these races. Although campaigned in six 1967 races driven by Dan Gurney, these all resulted in DNF due to a host of mechanical failures. AAR sold the car to Vic Nelli who installed a big block Chevrolet V8 engine in October 1969 and qualified 27th in the Can-Am series race at Riverside. Driven by Vic Elford, the car DNF but went on to participate in other events through 1971. The car would then pass through a series of owners including Henry Lassiter, Peter Boyd, John Collins, and eventually Jerry Weichers who replaced the spider body with a Mk III coupe body. By 1985 the car was owned and raced by Bruce Trenery, proprietor of Fantasy Junction. Though Trenery would keep the car for thirteen years, selling it in 1998, while participating in a racing event in 1995, the car was damaged requiring repairs including the construction and installation of a new tub by Harold Drinkwater, Salinas, CA. By 2008, the car came under new ownership and a comprehensive restoration was performed to return it to the original configuration under Dan Gurney’s ownership during the 1967 inaugural racing year. A new spider body was installed, and the car was completed in time to participate in the 2011 Monterey Reunion. The current owner reports that the car is currently fitted with a NASCAR truck series V8 engine and a replica LG600 five-speed gearbox.

Today this historically important Lola has been faithfully preserved by the current owner who has primarily displayed the car in recent years rather than running it in vintage events. The current cosmetic condition is reflective of former racing duty with light competition patina to the paint and sponsorship markings. The spider body configuration sports the #36 livery reflective of the period when Dan Gurney and other notable 1960s and 70s drivers raced the car in a range of events. Rebuilt in 1995 and comprehensively restored in 2008, the T70 spider bodywork is beautifully formed reflecting the low-profile cockpit, beautifully shaped front end, and notable rear bodywork complete with the prominent V8 engine exiting the mid-section of the car tucked under the rollbar. The dark blue metallic paint is glossy with evidence of track use, but honestly presented as it might have been seen in period races. A set of appropriately sized AAR style wheels and Goodyear tires are fitted, tucked under the beautiful aerodynamic body. The clear lenses, lighting, windscreen and side windows are also in very good condition.

The cockpit is clean and very well laid out with excellent driving position, a formed seat with black vinyl covering, and OMP seat belts. A fire suppression system is also professionally installed. An important distinction for many enthusiasts considering the purchase and use of a Can Am car, is the seating comfort for the driver. Drivers of 6’ 3” can be easily accommodated as there is plenty of legroom and ample seating flexibility – a welcome feature along with the open configuration for those with taller torsos. The chrome plated roll bar features event stickers from a sampling of more recent races including a Monterey, CA event in 2014.

With the rear section exposed, the mechanical components, beautifully finished suspension, and details of the engine compartment are revealed. The polished carburetor trumpets and tuned exhaust can almost be heard even while the engine is at rest. The exposed mechanicals of the front section further reveal a very clean car, displaying the correct manufacturer's plate, cooling ducts, and Ron Davis aluminum radiator. Although this car has been previously expertly prepared with safety equipment, we recommend a professional race shop perform an inspection and review all systems before driving in a competition setting.

This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a rare and dynamic example of one of the most stunning competition cars in the history of professional motorsports construction. Signed by Dan Gurney and retaining the original Lola build plate. This Lola T70 Mark III B lightweight spider with 1967 year of construction may be the ultimate USRRC run group car for CSRG (‘67 being the cutoff year). With initial Dan Gurney ownership, further known ownership history, and finished in period livery, this Lola T70 Mark IIIB spider represents a rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of Dan Gurney and the incomparable All American Racers history.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608