Lola T540 1978 FOR SALE

[JGTEAMGRN]

Mint condition '78 Lola T540. Car rebuilt by Barry Green, all documentation. Completely rebuilt engine by Ivey. New fuel safe fuel tank and onboard fire ext. system and not raced since. Youngblood wheels, new Hoosier tires and Spax shocks. No log book, never raced, just lapping. Orlando location. $18,500 Call 317-416-3640.

[Rick Iverson]

Omg

[Bill Manofsky]

Beautiful restoration....someone buy her and get her on the track! Great price!

[Rick Iverson]

ID plate?

[Robins Ken]

ID plate?

Stop fussing. 40 years after the fact. Sort it and it will be a great car to drive.

Ken.

[Bill Manofsky]

Stop fussing. 40 years after the fact. Sort it and it will be a great car to drive.

Ken.

I agree with Rick Iverson....

ID plate and Logs books are everything in a vintage car. They are a major part of the "investment" and proof the car is not a Frankenstein of parts cobbled together. It's also about resale. If there is no plate or log books, then the next buyer is left trying to explain why when they go to sell. Been there done that.

[Robins Ken]

I agree with Rick Iverson....

ID plate and Logs books are everything in a vintage car. They are a major part of the "investment" and proof the car is not a Frankenstein of parts cobbled together. It's also about resale. If there is no plate or log books, then the next buyer is left trying to explain why when they go to sell. Been there done that.

Some cars, yes. but Lola FF's had (4) pop rivets attaching the I/D plate to the the firewall. I used to, in a 50-50 partnership that continues to this day, own, as part of a job lot, Michael Andretti's T540. Trouble was the 'Electrolux' side panels were not on any of the frames. The 3 1/2 chassis that we owned were on the other side of the garage. 1 1/2 frames were beyond repair. Most likely one of them wadded up by MA. Do we claim 2 the survivors we kept are ex MA? Never. Been involved too long for that scam. We can go to any paddock anywhere and not have to avoid anyone.

Credit to Van Diemen. At least they stamped something on the frame. When it left Norfolk. UK.

Best resource on any old race car is the crew from the time, time sheets and photos.

KR

[E1pix]

I didn’t realize Michael A. ever ran a T540. All I recall is a T640, partly supported by Carl Haas in 1981, the year after Carl again helped my old friend Eddie Miller (RIP in April) with his T540 — and prior to Michael running a Van Diemen RF82 under Essex and Gue.

But per Ken’s comments, I must be wrong on Andretti running a 540.

I also agree with Rick. The sheer disinterest in documenting race cars is exactly why so many false claims exist, and enthusiasts can either support authenticity or help further a growing issue.

Case in point, Scott Hughes claiming he was selling an ex-Peter Revson, factory Gulf McLaren M8F — when in reality the car was a kluge job of ex-Commander Motor Homes parts from the customer M8FPs driven by Bobby Brown and Danny Hopkins. With no disrespect to those drivers, they were not Revvie.

Mr. Hughes was justifiably baked and raked for being an unconscionable bull****ter who was trying to make an extra six figures on an entirely-fake car with a “missing” ID plate. Thankfully, nobody who cares about authenticity will ever forget about such a con that I personally align with any thievery.

I realize a T540 is not a M8F, but honoring the history of our sport and its cars is FAR more important than just buying a cool car and having fun with it. I constantly see cars for sale bragging about “documented history” — then showing none of it in the ad.

There’s no point restoring or investing in a Real Deal car when we foster an environment that doesn’t care. Thanks to All who do care.


Edit: I speak in general terms — and not at all about the beautiful car being sold here. If I were looking for a T540, I’d have already bought this stunning car, having much extra value in coming from the hands of Mr. Green.

[Robins Ken]

I didn’t realize Michael A. ever ran a T540. All I recall is a T640, partly supported by Carl Haas in 1981, the year after Carl again helped my old friend Eddie Miller (RIP in April) with his T540 — and prior to Michael running a Van Diemen RF82 under Essex and Gue.

But per Ken’s comments, I must be wrong on Andretti running a 540.

I also agree with Rick. The sheer disinterest in documenting race cars is exactly why so many false claims exist, and enthusiasts can either support authenticity or help further a growing issue.

Case in point, Scott Hughes claiming he was selling an ex-Peter Revson, factory Gulf McLaren M8F — when in reality the car was a kluge job of ex-Commander Motor Homes parts from the customer M8FPs driven by Bobby Brown and Danny Hopkins. With no disrespect to those drivers, they were not Revvie.

Mr. Hughes was justifiably baked and raked for being an unconscionable bull****ter who was trying to make an extra six figures on an entirely-fake car with a “missing” ID plate. Thankfully, nobody who cares about authenticity will ever forget about such a con that I personally align with any thievery.

I realize a T540 is not a M8F, but honoring the history of our sport and its cars is FAR more important than just buying a cool car and having fun with it. I constantly see cars for sale bragging about “documented history” — then showing none of it in the ad.

There’s no point restoring or investing in a Real Deal car when we foster an environment that doesn’t care. Thanks to All who do care.


Edit: I speak in general terms — and not at all about the beautiful car being sold here. If I were looking for a T540, I’d have already bought this stunning car, having much extra value in coming from the hands of Mr. Green.

To clarify the Powell school at Mosport used to run Lola's for an in house series. An option was to rent a car for the Canadian F1600 series. I suspect Andretti did the school at some point.

Cheers. Ken.

[Rick Iverson]

Stop fussing. 40 years after the fact. Sort it and it will be a great car to drive.

Ken.

Pedigree is everything. ESPECIALLY on a forty-three (43) year old Lola, as there is intrinsic value attached to race cars that are fully documented. I have owned a Type 61 Lotus FF, a Lola T-242 FB, and a Lola T-440, all with ID plates and documentation, and would have it no other way. Besides, it is just a question.

[gpracer73]

Is this still for sale?

[billtebbutt]

I don't believe the seller has yet said it does, or does not, have a chassis plate. It doesn't have log books. Why don't we wait and see what he comes back with, then we can wring our hands all we want.... The seller has NOT said it has any particularly interesting or notable history. So, at best, its been driven over the years by a number of average Joe's - a typical club car.

Let's put it differently. Knowing that it has no logbooks, and no purported celebrity history, is it priced fair for the condition it is in? Given the preceding comments, sounds like "Yes". Then does it really make any difference if it was a bitsa, or has/doesn't have a chassis plate? No, not really, not at this price level it doesn't.

cheers,
BT