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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 Dan Vaughan

The Lola T70 was replaced by the T160 in 1968. The following year, the T-160 which had undergone developmental improvements through the 1968 season, was dubbed the T163. Sadly, the T160 and T163 were unable to carry on the tradition of the highly successful T70. Though they scored several important victories, they were unable to provide real competition for the dominate McLarens and failed to capture the Championship.

The Lola T160, T162, and T163 were never able to score a victory in the Can-Am series, but were able to capture many podium finishes with many top-six finishes.

The final derivative of the T160 series was the T165 which was introduced in 1970. These were customer cars; the factory backed cars were the T220 and T222 with the T222 entered mid-season as a replacement for the wrecked T220. The T222 had a wider wheelbase than the T220 and its best finish was a second place for the Peter Revson team.

by Dan Vaughan