Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Lola Mk I
s/n BR 1659
Red with a Pale Yellow Chassis

The Mk 1 was an elegant design comprising a multi-tubular chassis constructed from bronze-welded 20-gauge steel tubing, weighing only 60 lbs (27 kg). The front suspension consisted of wide-based fabricated double wishbones with Morris Minor uprights and a BMC steering rack. At the rear the halfshaft acted as the transverse link which together with a trailing arm gave the effect of an upper wishbone, while the lower wishbone was fabricated from three tubes and the use of eccentric joints. Fifteen-inch Cooper wheels were used with Triumph TR2 brakes fitted with Alfin drums front and rear with the rears mounted inboard. The driveline consisted of an Austin A30 gearbox with Lotus close-ratio gears and a BMC 4.55:1 differential. Maurice Gomm sculpted the attractive aluminum body for the initial cars, while the later cars had fiberglass bodies. The revised (Mk. II) version of the 1100cc Coventry Climax FWA provided motivation that proved to be race-winning almost immediately. The first true Lola was registered as 600 DKJ and was ready to race in 1958.

Right from the start, the Mk. 1 proved an immediate success, finishing second at Snetterton in only their second outing, and a win followed immediately at Brands Hatch. It was obvious to competitors that Lola was the new front-running make, and orders for customer cars poured in. In 1959 a run of three works cars were built for use in Europe, while two chassis were exported to the United States. In Europe, the cars claimed the entire podium, finishing 1-2-3 in the Chichester Cup at Goodwood, among other successes.

In 1960, nineteen Mk Is were constructed, all wearing fiberglass bodies, and with Mk III FWA motors producing 90 hp. Again, successes abounded for the Mk I, both stateside and in Europe. Through 1962, at least 7 other Mk 1s were built, in several differing configurations with engine sizes ranging for 1000cc to 1460cc.
This particular car had the later fiberglass body, and is fitted with the largest engine supplied in period- a Mk. III FWA Coventry Climax, which is built by well known racing engine supplier Sasco Motorsport. A Taylor built `dog box` transmission feeds power to the standard differential with Quaif 4.2 ratio limited slip internals.

The current owner located this example near Mexico City, Mexico. At that time, the car was well and truly a restoration project. It had been disassembled, with a half-hearted restoration started. Because of Mexico`s dry climate, the chassis and components were not subject to the rust and deterioration that similar cars in Europe were. Photos were taken to document the completeness and condition of the car upon its removal from storage. Details on this rare find were published in the August 1993 edition of Popular Classics. After restoration in house, the current owner avidly campaigned the car at SVRA events at Mid-Ohio, Roebling Road, Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen, Virginia International Raceway, and Barber Motorsports Park with much enjoyment.

There was no identification plate accompanying the car when it was located, and after exhaustive research, the number BR 1659 was applied to this chassis. This number was lost to the racing world and had been inactive for decades. It is hypothesized that this car was possibly BR 1659.
The current condition is representative of a professionally maintained racing car with a few seasons of use after a comprehensive restoration. The engine starts easily, shows excellent oil pressure and sounds strong. The clutch, brakes, and transmission all appear to function normally, although we have not personally track tested the car.

Today, this example is eligible for an ever-expanding number of venues across the US, and in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. One of the most successful cars of its era, the Lola Mk. I continues to be one of the premier weapons of choice in the 1000cc and under 1500cc sports cars classes. This example is well suited for the historic racing driver with a competitive nature seeking entry into the prestigious events.

With the car come a complete set of drum brakes together with spindles, and bearing and brake spares usually associated with campaigning a vintage racecar. This example has been titled in New Jersey as a 1959 Lola with serial number BR 1659, and comes with an extensive SVRA logbook, and a photo essay from when the car was located in 1993 depicting its condition, complete with detailed photos of the body, engine, chassis, gearbox, wheels, and differential.

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