Bonnier's 170 to race again

Jo Bonnier’s 1969 Lola T70 Mk3B will return to the track next season four decades after it last raced following a total restoration overseen by respected engineer Colin Bennett.

Chassis SL76/143 was stored in North Wales for nearly 40 years before being acquired by enthusiast Michael Hanson and entrusted to Bennett. Hanson’s friend Mike Smith is likely to race it next season, with Mike Wilds responsible for initial shakedown running.

Bennett has traced the car’s history and it has been restored using the original monocoque and period bright yellow bodywork. “It has not run for 40 years and this has been a meticulous rebuild,” said Bennett. “Michael alwayswanted to own a T70 and it has been a long-term project.”

Bonnier and fellow Swedes Ronnie Peterson and Reine Wisell drove the car in Écurie Bonnier colours in period. Bonnier first raced the Lola during the Silverstone International Trophy meeting in late March, then finished second at Snetterton on Good Friday and second again at Thruxton on Easter Monday. He also won the 1969 Grand Prix de Paris at Montlhéry.

During the following season, Bonnier raced it in Argentina and America as well as Europe. The chassis was then used in Interserie races, in Spyder trim, before being bought by David Piper. It was later sold on and put into storage.

Paul Lawrence