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LONDON, England - A very special car will take the spotlight at an upcoming Silverstone Auctions race retro and classic car sale in the UK on February 23 - a 1969 Lola race car.
Its iconic status comes from starring in the classic Steve McQueen film ‘Le Mans’; it was one of three Mk.III B’s used in the film.
View the race scene
The Lola T70 to be sold at Stoneleigh Park is estimated to be worth the equivalent of around R8.5-million.
The actual car was repainted yellow for the movie and was seen spinning on the downhill approach to Indianapolis corner. After that it was cloned to look like a Gulf-Porsche 917 for a spectacular crash sequence in another movie.
NO ONE-HIT WONDER
Its “life” wasn’t stuck an old movie set though - it was later rebuilt with a new engine, rebuilt gearbox and differential for a European sports-car racing series.
Silverstone Auctions MD Nick Whale said: “It’s rare for a car with such a colourful history, including a starring role in one of the most famous films of the 1970’s, to be offered for auction, so we’re delighted to have secured it for the sale.
“Indeed, whether you’re a fan of the big screen, love cars that are built purely for excitement, or just admire its amazing styling, you have to admit that this is one very special race car.”
Full details of the 1969 Lola T70 MkIII B and it’s history can be found here.
Its iconic status comes from starring in the classic Steve McQueen film ‘Le Mans’; it was one of three Mk.III B’s used in the film.
View the race scene
The Lola T70 to be sold at Stoneleigh Park is estimated to be worth the equivalent of around R8.5-million.
The actual car was repainted yellow for the movie and was seen spinning on the downhill approach to Indianapolis corner. After that it was cloned to look like a Gulf-Porsche 917 for a spectacular crash sequence in another movie.
NO ONE-HIT WONDER
Its “life” wasn’t stuck an old movie set though - it was later rebuilt with a new engine, rebuilt gearbox and differential for a European sports-car racing series.
Silverstone Auctions MD Nick Whale said: “It’s rare for a car with such a colourful history, including a starring role in one of the most famous films of the 1970’s, to be offered for auction, so we’re delighted to have secured it for the sale.
“Indeed, whether you’re a fan of the big screen, love cars that are built purely for excitement, or just admire its amazing styling, you have to admit that this is one very special race car.”
Full details of the 1969 Lola T70 MkIII B and it’s history can be found here.
