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Technology in race cars (35): Lola T260 - The pregnant elephant

Created on September 28, 2023

Text:

Gerhard Schütz

Photos:

Archiv: Gerhard Schütz

10

Aaron Summerfield - Courtesy RM Auctions

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Archiv: Gerhard Schütz

10

Aaron Summerfield - Courtesy RM Auctions

4

Lola T260 Can-Am Spyder (1971) - the racing car has survived

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Lola T260 (1971) - Can-Am technology paradise

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Lola T260 (1971) - "The Swinging Elephant", Jackie Stewart on the left

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Lola T260 (1971) - front chassis. The internal suspension struts are just visible

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Lola T260 (1971) - Same angle with bodywork - the shape should have provided both downforce and low drag, but downforce was lacking

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Lola T260 (1971) - The holes are intended to let air out at the top

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Lola T260 (1971) - Beautifully crafted technology on the front suspension with large side radiators, deflection tube pyramid to high struts (see rear suspension Ferrari B2 1971 TiR 31)

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Lola T260 (1971) - horizontal spring legs, operated via a bell crank

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Lola T260 (1971) - After all, you can't do without wings, just like the competition

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Lola T260 (1971) - The wing gets more distance to the bodywork

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Lola T260 (1971) - Version 3 Double wings

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Lola T260 Can-Am Spyder (1971) - rear view

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Lola T260 Can-Am Spyder (1971) - Drive train

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Lola T260 Can-Am Spyder (1971) - Cockpit

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Summary

The Lola T260 competed in one of the most inventive eras in the history of racing technology in a racing series that allowed more technical freedom than any other. We have often read in the "Technology in racing cars" series that exploiting this freedom often led to worse rather than better results. The Lola T260 is no exception.

Estimated reading time: 3min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The years 1958-1978 were the two most creative decades in the history of racing technology. This series portrays the most advanced, pioneering and exotic designs of Formula 1, Indy cars, sports cars and Can-Am, and at the same time traces the major lines of development that still have an impact today. This time we are looking at a Lola that celebrated a few successes more because of its driver than because of its design. Eric Broadley's English manufacturer Lola had made racing history in 1963 with the Mk6 GT, the inspiration for the Ford GT40. Lola then competed in the one-make world championship and Can-Am with the relatively conventional but successful T70. John Surtees won five out of six races with it in 1966, the first Can-Am year. After that, the McLaren era began.

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