1972 Lola T290S
Chassis HU17 is one of 34 examples of the Lola T290 sports-racing prototype built in 1972, designed by Patrick Head. Originally constructed for Formula 1 driver and sportscar racer Jo Bonnier, it was campaigned by Marcel Van Hool with Belgian driver Freddy Grainal across European endurance events in 1972–73. After retirement it was displayed in Jean Blaton's Belgian museum before being restored to original specification and returning to competition, most notably taking pole position at the 2004 Le Mans Classic.
Ownership
- 2023-08-25Auction saleEstimate £140,000 – £170,000
- 1972 →Acquisition unknownMarcel Van Hoolpartial documentation
Received the car from Bonnier and entered it in multiple European races with Freddy Grainal driving.
- 1972-04-01 →Factory deliveryJo Bonnierpartial documentation
Chassis was built specifically for Bonnier in April 1972; he then supplied it to Marcel Van Hool for racing purposes.
- → 2001Acquisition unknownJean 'Beurlys' Blatonpartial documentation
After the car was retired from racing, it was placed on static display in Blaton's private museum in Belgium.
- 2001 →AuctionRichard Toveypartial documentation
Acquired through Newbridge Motorsport and carried out a restoration to original specification, subsequently racing the car at the Le Mans Classic.
Competition
- 1972-09-01Nürburgring 500kmDriver: Goffredo (Freddy) Grainal5th overall
Car ran as number 25, starting from 19th on the grid and advancing to a strong fifth-place finish.
- 1972-10-01European Sportscar ChampionshipBarcelona 400kmDriver: Goffredo (Freddy) Grainal
Car entered as number 29.
- 1972-11-01Seat Trophy, JaramaDriver: Goffredo (Freddy) Grainal
Car ran as number 24.
- 1973-05-01Spa 1000kmDriver: Goffredo (Freddy) Grainal
- 1973-10-01European Sportscar ChampionshipBarcelona 400kmDriver: Goffredo (Freddy) Grainal
Car entered as number 23.
- 2002Le Mans ClassicDriver: Richard Tovey
Participated in the inaugural running of the Le Mans Classic event.
- 2004Le Mans ClassicDriver: Richard ToveyPole position
Richard Tovey and Chris Ward co-drove the car to pole position at the 2004 edition of the event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2001RestorationNewbridge Motorsport
Full restoration to the car's original specification carried out by or on behalf of new owner Richard Tovey via Newbridge Motorsport.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive refurbishment completed after the 2005–2012 period of varied events and testing; work included fitting a brand-new Ford BDG engine and a Hewland gearbox, crack-testing all chassis and suspension components, and replacing every rose-joint.
Work appears to have taken place after 2012 based on the narrative sequence.
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