The Lola T70 Mk3B GT Comes to Project Motor Racing

May 29, 2025

A Legend Comes to Project Motor Racing

The Lola T70 Mk3B GT needs no introduction to motorsport enthusiasts. If the golden era of endurance racing needed a silhouette, this would surely be it, harking back to a time when innovation, bravery, and raw power defined the sport.

Initially designed by the mercurial Eric Broadley in ’65 and built by Lola Cars, the T70 series was a dominant force in sports car racing during the ’60s and early ’70s. The Mk3B GT, the final iteration of the T70 line, represents the pinnacle of this iconic model’s development. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and race-winning pedigree, the T70 Mk3B GT will forever remain an icon of endurance racing.

It even earned a couple of Hollywood credits: A 70 chassis was used (disguised) as a Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512 in McQueen’s Le Mans movie (and legend has it that it was this chassis that was written off in the movie’s big shunt sequence). Oh, and it also featured in George Lucas’s first movie, THX 1138.

Iconic Design

Looking back half a century, it’s hard not to define the Lola T70 Mk3B GT as a masterpiece of aerodynamic engineering. Its low-slung, curvaceous bodywork was crafted from lightweight aluminium, giving it a distinctive and timeless appearance. The car’s long nose (the car was over 4 metres long!), wide stance, and sweeping roofline were not just visually striking either—they were designed to minimise drag in an era where wind tunnels weren’t much of a thing. (Though Broadley did in fact have some wind tunnel time when designing the Mk3B.)

The car’s chassis was equally notable. Built around a monocoque structure with integrated steel tubing, the T70 was both lightweight and strong. This construction method allowed for precise weight distribution, which was critical for handling and performance. (And if you want to know how much fun you’re in for, take a look at a lap at Spa—sideways action is the only action!) The double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear provided exceptional handling and allowed drivers to push the car to its limits without the kind of “bite” that saps driver confidence.

American Muscle

Under the hood, the T70 Mk3B GT was powered by a 5L Chevrolet small-block V8, a favourite among racing teams for its reliability and tunability back in the day. Mated to a Hewland 5-speed, the V8 delivered creamy levels of torque that, coupled with its high-revving nature, ensured even more driver satisfaction.

All of that resulted in some serious numbers: 1-100kmh in 3 seconds, and top end somewhere north of 200 mph.

A Force in Endurance Racing

The Lola T70 Mk3B GT competed in some of the most legendary endurance events of its era, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Its durability, speed, and handling made it a favourite among privateer teams, who often found themselves competing against factory-backed entries from Porsche, Ferrari, and Ford. The T70s legacy remains impressive: 232 wins and 91 poles including a 1-2 finish (with legendary Mark Donohue doing the pedal work) at the 1969 24 Hours of Daytona in the Mk3B GT. (Of course, once the homologation rules were relaxed in ’69—from 50 to 25—the mighty 917s and 512s would, sadly, prove too quick for the now ageing T70s.)

Pure Racing Thrills

Make no mistake, though, driving the Lola T70 Mk3B GT is an experience like no other. The car’s lightweight construction and powerful engine make it incredibly responsive, while its precise steering and balanced chassis inspire confidence. The V8 engine’s roar is deafening, and the sensation of acceleration is exhilarating. The car’s lack of modern driver aids means that every input requires skill, precision, courage … and quick hands.

From a purists perspective, this may well be the most rewarding car to tame in Project Motor Racing. The cockpit is cramped, the aggressive handling demands constant attention, and in-sim, as it was in the real-world, only the most skilled drivers will be able to unlock its full potential. But for those who can master it, the T70 Mk3B GT offers an unparalleled connection between driver and machine.

Legacy

The Lola T70 Mk3B GT is a symbol of a bygone era in motorsport. It represents a time when innovation and ingenuity were the driving forces behind success on the track. It’s a car that embodies the spirit of endurance racing.

For those who appreciate the golden age of motorsport, the Lola T70 Mk3B GT is going to thrill you in Project Motor Racing.

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