1966 Lola T70 Mark II GT Coupe
- Engine
- 385 ci OHV Chevrolet V8, ported heads, increased displacement rebuild, 650 bhp
- Colour
- Racing red
Chassis SL71/46 is a 1966 Lola T70 Mark II GT Coupe, originally built at the Slough factory and delivered as an open-top Spider to John Mecom of Texas. Raced by Jerry Grant during the 1967 Can-Am and USRRC seasons, the car subsequently received Mark III closed bodywork and larger brakes. After passing through several owners it spent a decade campaigned by PRD Racing at Sears Point. The engine was rebuilt to 385ci producing 650bhp, and the car has been active in California historic racing into the 2000s.
Ownership
- 2023-08-18Auction saleSold US$365,000
- 1966-10-07 →Factory deliveryJohn Mecompartial documentation
First registered owner, based in Dallas, Texas. Car was delivered as an open-top Spider variant configured for Can-Am competition.
- Date unknownChuck Hainespartial documentation
One of several intermediate owners through whose hands the car passed after the Mecom era.
- Date unknownJim Barringtonpartial documentation
Held the car at some point during its chain of intermediate ownership.
- Date unknownJerry Weicherspartial documentation
Another intermediate owner before the car moved to California.
- Date unknownPhil Denney / PRD Racingfull documentation
Operated the car for roughly a decade from the Sears Point Raceway facility near San Francisco; oversaw significant mechanical upgrades including an engine rebuild to 385ci yielding 650bhp, clutch replacement, gearbox rebuild, and suspension work, all documented by invoices.
Competition
- 1967Can-AmBridgehampton Can-AmDriver: Jerry Grant
Car ran in blue livery bearing race number 81 or 78 during the 1967 Can-Am season.
- 1967Can-AmRoad America Can-AmDriver: Jerry Grant
Part of the 1967 Can-Am campaign under the same livery and numbering.
- 1967Can-AmMonterey Grand PrixDriver: Jerry Grant
One of several Can-Am rounds contested during the 1967 season.
- 1967Can-AmLos Angeles Times Grand PrixDriver: Jerry Grant
Competed as part of the same 1967 Can-Am season effort.
- 1967Can-AmStardust Grand PrixDriver: Jerry Grant
Final Can-Am round of the 1967 season included in the car's competition record.
- 1967USRRCUSRRC RiversideDriver: Jerry Grant
One of two USRRC events the car contested alongside its Can-Am programme.
- 1967USRRCUSRRC KentDriver: Jerry Grant
Second USRRC round recorded for this chassis during the 1967 season.
- 2004Monterey Historics2nd (narrowly behind Brian Redman)
The car came very close to defeating Brian Redman, who took the win driving a Porsche 908.
- —Wine Country Classic
One of several California historic events the car took part in around the turn of the millennium.
- —Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance
Presented at this concours in recognition of its status as an authentic British-built classic competition car.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
Car received the enclosed coupe bodywork and larger braking system associated with the Mark III specification, converting it from its original open Spider configuration.
Timing of this conversion is unspecified in the prose.
- —Engine rebuildCrowther
Full engine overhaul by Crowther, encompassing ported cylinder heads and a new crankshaft with enlarged displacement of 385ci; dynamometer testing confirmed output of 650bhp.
Described as carried out at significant cost; likely during the PRD Racing ownership period.
- —Mechanical
Clutch replacement, full gearbox rebuild, and substantial suspension overhaul, all documented by invoices held in the car's history file.
Part of a broader programme of upgrades and upkeep evidenced by a comprehensive portfolio of receipts and correspondence.
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