Lola revives iconic T70 as world's first sustainable-fuel classic racer
Lola Cars has revived its iconic 1960s T70 race car as the T70S, claiming a world first by running it on sustainable fuel. The limited-edition machine, produced in both track and road-legal versions, cuts CO2 emissions by 54% while maintaining brutal V8 performance, blending motorsport heritage with modern environmental innovation.
Historic British manufacturer Lola has launched a modernized version of its legendary T70 sports car, marking a motorsport world first by running exclusively on sustainable fuel. The reborn T70S combines the original's thunderous V8 character with groundbreaking sustainable materials and a 54% reduction in CO2 emissions, proving high-performance motoring can align with environmental progress.
Why it matters:
This launch challenges the notion that classic car culture and sustainability are incompatible. By successfully marrying iconic design and visceral performance with advanced eco-friendly technology, Lola is setting a precedent for how motorsport heritage can be preserved and celebrated in a modern, responsible context, potentially influencing the wider classic and performance car industries.
The details:
- Two Variants: Lola is producing a track-only T70S and a road-legal T70S GT, with total production capped at just 16 cars.
- Track Performance: The track version features a 5.0-litre Chevy V8 producing 530 bhp, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph.
- Road Legal Version: The GT road car uses a 6.2-litre Chevy V8 (500 bhp) with a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a 200 mph top speed, modified to meet homologation requirements.
- Sustainable Core: Beyond the sustainable fuel, the car was rebuilt using sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing processes like high-resolution scans of original archival drawings.
- Racing Pedigree: The original T70, designed by Eric Broadley in 1965, was a dominant force in Can-Am and famously won the 1969 Daytona 24 Hours for Team Penske.
What's next:
With production strictly limited, these 16 cars represent a highly exclusive blend of history and innovation. Lola's project demonstrates a viable technical path for sustainable classic performance, and its success may inspire other manufacturers and restorers to explore similar approaches, keeping internal combustion engines alive and relevant in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
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