(A detailed history of SL T160/4 is documented on the Owner History page)

When I purchased the car in 2005, it had last been vintage raced by Bill Swope in unrestored but somewhat tired condition. The car had the "as raced" tub and suspension, and a Chevrolet engine - it was judged to be the "Best Original CAN-AM Car" at the Road America CAN-AM THUNDER event in 1999.

However, close inspection revealed cracked motor mounts, cracked suspension components, incorrect suspension geometry, multiple body damage repairs, etc, etc, etc. So begins the restoration which is now in progress.

...little doubt as to the need for a rebuild!

Although as a racer, the broken motor mounts, cracked tub, repaired suspension components etc. were a disappointment ,there was a silver lining on that dark cloud. The original "as raced" condition of the car and the mandatory disassembly provided an unanticipated window into the cars racing history. (see the "Owner History" page on the menu bar) The tub was original with numerous repairs typical of a car of that age - raced hard and crashed often!

Once the engine was removed, the cutout in the chassis necessary to accommodate the starter of the car's original Ford engine was clearly visable .

The Lola T160 was designed to accommodate a Chevrolet engine without modification to the chassis. This unique feature confirms the car's lineage back to Dan Gurney and the All American Racers.

The chassis cutout will be preserved

with the restoration as the car will again be fitted with a Ford engine

The disassembly is complete and the last few required panels are being fabricated. All usable original components are being incorporated into the restoration. Any not reused will be saved.