GT40s.com - View Single Post - Lola T-70 replica

91740Gt · 11-09-03, 03:58 AM

MikeDD,
There are various reasons, in my opinion, why the T70 did not catch on. There are many who were put off by the tail end looks, nicknamed the Bread Van, as it can look a bit "ugly" at certain angles. It never gained the "glamour", despite its odd bursts of glory, that the 917s, GT 40s, etc had. It has very limited head room because of the curvature of the roof and because it was produced by a relatively small manufacturer (at the time) availability of spares and replicated parts was more difficult.
I looked into the purchase of the GTD/Bell moulds a while back but then found out that several others were also getting interested around the world in limited production and i did,nt want to get caught up in a melting pot with limited customers.The greatest concern though came from LOLA themselves.
Laurie Bray made it clear to me that although they approved, at the time, of GTDs quality of bodyshell and workmanship, there is no way now that they would approve the copying. They will not even allow chassis replication plans out unless you own an original tub or are an approved restorer. Remember that Lolas are still very much in business in GB, and in this tough racing economic climate, Martin Birrane the owner, must protect his own. Specialised Mouldings still hold the original moulds and rights and might have a thing or two to say on the matter. Thats my overview of the case as i see it at present. Hope it helps with your survey.
Regards,
Graham @ GTA Racing.

11-09-03, 03:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
91740Gt 2 Tenths Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Specializing in Racing construction and preparation of GT40,<br />Lola, and Porsche 917 Sports Racin GT40: Suffolk, England. Posts: 290 Rep Power: 9	Re: Lola T-70 replica MikeDD, There are various reasons, in my opinion, why the T70 did not catch on. There are many who were put off by the tail end looks, nicknamed the Bread Van, as it can look a bit "ugly" at certain angles. It never gained the "glamour", despite its odd bursts of glory, that the 917s, GT 40s, etc had. It has very limited head room because of the curvature of the roof and because it was produced by a relatively small manufacturer (at the time) availability of spares and replicated parts was more difficult. I looked into the purchase of the GTD/Bell moulds a while back but then found out that several others were also getting interested around the world in limited production and i did,nt want to get caught up in a melting pot with limited customers.The greatest concern though came from LOLA themselves. Laurie Bray made it clear to me that although they approved, at the time, of GTDs quality of bodyshell and workmanship, there is no way now that they would approve the copying. They will not even allow chassis replication plans out unless you own an original tub or are an approved restorer. Remember that Lolas are still very much in business in GB, and in this tough racing economic climate, Martin Birrane the owner, must protect his own. Specialised Mouldings still hold the original moulds and rights and might have a thing or two to say on the matter. Thats my overview of the case as i see it at present. Hope it helps with your survey. Regards, Graham @ GTA Racing.