Lola MK VI GT - 1963 Le Mans

[Gramps46]

By 1962 Eric Broadley, the founder of Lola Cars Ltd, decided he needed to move to the mid-engine configuration, as had Ferrari and Lotus, with their racing sport cars.  He proceeded with the design and construction of 3 MK VI GTs for races in 1963 powered by a small block Ford V8.

Eric drove the new GT to Le Mans in 1963 and arrived only to encounter issues with the scrutineers which required some significant changes which took time away from practice by David Hobbs and Dickie Attwood.  During the race there were problems with the gear change which resulted in a missed shift and put the GT into the wall and out of the race.

Concurrently Ford had embarked upon their Total Performance program and company execs attended the ’63 Le Mans.  They were impressed with the Lola GT and kept it in mind when negotiations for the purchase of Ferrari collapsed.  Ford then put out a request for proposals from Lola and Lotus for the development of the Ford GT40.  Lola won and began the construction of the Ford GT Prototypes for the 1964 racing season.

The model is a 1/24 resin kit from Scale Kraft in South Africa.  Unfortunately, only a few were made before the founder was injured mountain climbing and was not able to continue production. The model is mostly OOB except for a change to the wheels and tires.

Edited March 10, 2023 by Gramps46

[Jim B]

Great looking Ford.  Well done.

[Pierre Rivard]

Very nice build Gary. It's a good fit in your Le Mans stable.

[1959scudetto]

Very nice, Gary - a truly seldom seen racing car for your Le Mans collection. Very noticeable are those distinctive Ford Cortina taillights.

[Rich Chernosky]

Excellent model, Gary,  of a rare kit.  The background information was most appreciated.   Thanks for putting this up.

[Belugawrx]

Nice job Gary !

[cobraman]

Very well done.

[Dave B]

Looks great Gary, tks for posting.

Dave B

[Ace-Garageguy]

Great little model. You've inspired me to try to find one.  

Those taillights always remind me of the tri-colored eyes on the original War of the Worlds invaders.

[TarheelRick]

Excellent build of one of the prettiest road racers ever built. Sure wish someone, maybe Tamiya or another quality company, would release a full detail 1/25 version of this beauty.

[Bruce Scully]

A very nice build , well done .

[ChrisR]

Very nice!

[TooOld]

Beautiful build of maybe best looking race car ever , well done Gary !