Photo : Arnaud CORNILLEAU - ACO/Nikon

In administration for several months, Lola Cars ceased activity on the 5th of October 2012. The British marque has a long and illustrious motorsport history and particularly at the '24 Heures du Mans'.

With debts to the tune of 20 million pounds, Lola was placed in receivership in May. Since then, the manufacturer has continued activity in anticipation of a potential sale, but unfortunately no buyer has come forward. Lola Composites continues on its business, under financial supervision, the administrator has two seriously interested buyers.

Created in 1958 by Eric Broadley, Lola has been involved in many racing disciplines, including the triple crown of Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was endurance racing where the manufacturer had its finest hour, especially the monstrous T70, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1969, and the B12/60, 4th in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Historians will remember that it is also the workshops in Huntingdon where the first Ford GT40 originated that would be 4 times winner at Le Mans (1966, 1967, 1968, 1969).

This weekend, no less than 5 Lolas will be on track for the seventh round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Japan.

Julien Hergault

Photo : CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES (LE MANS, SARTHE), 24 HEURES DU MANS, 16 JUNE 2012. Lola n°12 of Rebellion Racing, 4th in the hands of Nicolas Prost, Neel Jani and Nick Heidfeld.