Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Lola T140 F5000
s/n 10
Black with Black interior

Established in 1958 by Eric Broadley, a remarkably talented engineer and astute businessman, Lola cars quickly built their reputation as both technology leaders and innovators. The UK based company began their engineering developments building front-engine sports cars, rapidly expanding their offerings into larger ventures. Their ground-breaking work on the mid-engine Lola Mk6 coupe fitted with a Ford engine captured the attention of Ford engineers, who tapped Broadley for critical contributions to the development of the Ford GT40. Exhausted from the demanding work on the GT40, after two years, Broadley returned to Lola with newfound focus, building dynamic platforms that offered phenomenal and reliable performance at surprisingly modest cost for a wide range of races.

SCCA Formula A races ushered in the Formula 5000 series in 1968. During this period the massive growth and popularity of large-capacity stock block V8 engines dominated the Can-Am racing circuit. This exciting class eventually inspired Lola to develop a single seat layout platform leveraging the V8 engine. The notion of strapping a powerful V8 to the back of single-seater tubular frame cars offered a great deal of promise on the track and in expanding markets. The new class of cars attracted a great deal of interest and, with plenty of T70 spare parts available from FIA Group 6 rules changes that left Lola in a bit of a lurch, the T140 presented itself as a reliable and affordable entry into Formula 5000, both for Lola and racers who wanted to compete in the new series. Of the 15 initially planned builds (17 cars were eventually constructed) 10 cars were shipped to the US, many of which played an essential role in the growth and development of Formula 5000.

This Lola, chassis #10, is one of ten factory cars imported to the US. The car was delivered to Carl Haas and sold to the first owner, Pierre Phillips. Pierre’s Motors Racing, Portland Oregon. Upon arrival in the US, Phillips entered the car in its first race, Seattle, WA August 25, 1968. Phillips subsequently raced the car in FA and F5000 Pacific Northwest Nationals and Regionals and participated in the Continental Championship race at Riverside. Phillips qualified 4th for the SCCA Runoffs and then shipped the car to New Zealand where he competed the 1968 and 1969 F5000 season. In 1970 the car was sold to Denny Erickson’s Repco Northwest Competition Motors, Spokane, WA. Erickson entered the car in Continental Championship FA and FB races held in Edmonton in May 1970. In 1971 the car was sold to Tam Kagi, Spokane, WA.

Though ownership history after Kagi’s ownership is not known with certainty, the car is next documented in 1988 under the ownership of Dr. Grant Hill, Okotoks, Alberta. Hill subsequently sold the car to ex-5000 driver Lou Pavesi, Los Altos, CA, around 1990. Pavesi blew the motor shortly after purchase and advertised the car in 1990 and again 1993. After remaining in Pavesi’s shop for some years, in 2004 the current owners purchased this Lola and embarked on a comprehensive two-year restoration. In addition to competing in numerous vintage racing events, in 2008, this Lola T140 was campaigned in the F5000 40th anniversary races held at various tracks across America winning the “Best Presentation and Performance” award at the 2008 Wine Country Classic. Additional races include participation at the Circuit of the Americas, Indianapolis, Road America, Portland International Raceway, Coronado, California Speedway, Sears Point, and Laguna Seca. In 2014, this Lola finished 2nd in the Formula 5000 Revival Series, Class A Pre-1972 cars. In 2015, the car was restored once again, this time reflective of the original racing livery when campaigned by Pierre Phillips in the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. Since completion the car has been raced at the 2015 Monterey Reunion.

During the restoration performed in 2015, the frame, body panels, suspension, brakes, wheels, and instruments (including the Smiths Chronometric tachometer) were all addressed. The body and frame were painted in 2018 with durable Awl Grip, a finish that is highly resistant to chipping and is not affected by solvents or brake fluid. The original magnesium Lola wheels were retained and new Jongbloed wheels were installed. In 2007 the original Lola fuel cell, which hung from the chassis top rail, held in place by the fiberglass body, was replaced with a new Fuel Safe fuel cell constructed to a special design which fit in the aluminum container for improved safety. In September 2022, a new fuel cell was built by Fuel Safe to replace the one designed and built in 2007. The original matching numbers LG 600 gearbox was rebuilt with new bearings, a multi-plate Taylor clutch installed, new universals, original Koni shock absorbers rebuilt, and the original McKay intake manifold with four Weber 48 IDA carburetors and a Joe Hunt magneto were installed on a correct 302 cu. in. Ryan Falconer Chevrolet V8 originally used for single seat Can Am series racing.

The Ryan Falconer V8 engine currently installed in the car was refreshed in 2018 along with new seat belts, the front and rear uprights were crack tested, and the fire system checked in preparation for the 2018 F5000 event at the Rolex Monterey Reunion. In 2019, the car was tested just after the 2018 50th Anniversary F5000 gathering. During testing in the first restoration (2006-7) the dry sump system was constructed without modification to the chassis and included the ARE oil pan and tank mounted to the transaxle. This configuration remains on the car today. The visible rear oil sump tank has since been reinstalled as a backup to the system. Correctly and professionally restored, this Lola is importantly accompanied by numerous spares, retains the original chassis number stampings on the frame and sheet metal bulkheads, and is further supported by an SVRA Gold Medallion Log Book, and a SCCA Vintage Log Book.

Today this historically important Lola has been faithfully cared for and properly prepared for vintage competition events bolstered by a host of experts. With absolutely no dispute regarding the provenance in period or as raced in recent years, the finishes are reflective of a quality vintage race car preparation and exterior finishes consistent with vintage competition use. The roll bar features event stickers from a sampling of the many races this car has participated in particularly in recent years and the newer cast wheels are shod with Avon tires. The cockpit is clean and very well laid out with excellent driving position, a formed seat, and recently upgraded seat belts. A fire suppression system is also professionally installed. An important distinction for many enthusiasts considering the purchase and use of a single seat car, is driver’s seating comfort. In this layout, a range of driving positions can be achieved via adjustable pedals and different seat inserts to accommodate taller drivers.

With the rear section exposed, the mechanical components, beautifully finished suspension, and ground-breaking engineering features further boast the professional racecar preparation and care afforded particularly under current ownership. The engine compartment is beautifully detailed and very tidy, featuring the original Hewland LG600 5-speed gearbox, Weber carburetors, McKay intake manifold, and tuned exhaust. The exposed mechanicals of the front section further reveal a properly built and correctly restored Lola complete with correct features and beautifully finished components. Although this car has been expertly prepared with full safety equipment, we recommend a professional race shop perform an inspection and review all systems before use in a competition setting.

In addition to the numerous spares included with this car, this Lola is accompanied by a 302 V8 “Bartz” stamped engine which is disassembled, including heads, bearings, valve covers, flywheel, pistons, crank, camshaft etc. The block bears the casting number 3933180, a large journal 327 which has been modified with a four-bolt main. Bartz, a former Traco Engineering builder started his own shop building engines for Trans Am, Can Am, and F5000 series cars.

The following additional spares are included with this Lola:

Car dolly – for standing wheel-off service
Nose Mold (2) one is for T142 application other is 140 (wingless)
Rear Wings (2) Four nose wings (two types)
One extra complete set of wheels, plus 2 extra Lola fronts.
Extra Frame paint
Spare steering arms
One box of motor oil (Penn 20/50) and filters (Wicks racing)
One box of engine parts (plugs/mag cap/and used universals)
One box of various carburetor items and extra screens
Original steering wheel (removable unit currently on car)
Two lower A arms (one usable, one suitable for static support only)
1 set of used pads (Porterfield) and other brake parts
Original accelerator pedal (current one is adjustable type)
Various aluminum panels
1 seat mold, and one aluminum sheet for a tall driver
Extra swirl pot
Mufflers for sound events
One box of various 140 body brackets
Two top links, two trailing arms
Alignment bars and links to set ride height
Spare wheel studs
Spare original (recored) brass radiator
Extra Lola Nose badge
LG Hewland Book, Tune to Win by Carrol Smith
Spare Oil cooler, hoses, and brackets for a second dry sump system

This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an historically correct and documented Lola T140 F5000 series race car. Proven over years of professional restoration and trackside service, this Lola will confidently run at the head of the pack in many events, just as it has repeatedly done so in recent races. The superb mechanical condition, known ownership history, and historic rarity of these cars figure prominently in the desirability and usability of this expertly sorted and highly competitive Lola T140.

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