1969 Lola T162

For the 1969 season, Lola produced two examples of the T-162 Can-Am chassis. They were chassis numbers SL162/13 and SL162/14. Chassis number 14 was sold to Bob Dini Enterprises and raced extensively during the 1969 and 1970 season by Mr. Dini. It campaigned in four of the championship rounds at Watkins Glen, Road America, Bridgehampton, and Laguna Seca. The best result for the car was a 16th place at Bridgehampton.

The following season, chassis number 14 continued its racing career under the banner of Dini Enterprises, competing at Mosport and Mt. Tremblant, where the car was damaged in a frontal collision. It would be many years before the car was repaired. In 1987, the car was purchased by Fantasy Junction from a former Dini Enterprises employee and sold it to Can-Am collector and historian Jerry Weichers. Fantasy Junction brokered the same of the un-repaired car in 1996 to its second owner, who commissioned a complete restoration. Harold Drinkwater of Salinas, California was hired to repair the tub and monocoque. Ken McMurphy was tasked with the paint work, and PRD Engineering of Sonoma California built the wing and body mounts, plus other components. The new motor was built by Tom Crowther, which is now its spare powerplant. A 478 cubic-inch engine was built by Owen racing Engines in Texas. It was given a Kinsler injection system which helped in the production of approximately 700 horsepower.

Chassis number SL162/13 is currently owned by Mr. Armstrong of WA, who has been avidly campaigning the car in vintage racing for many years.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011