Vintage Racer
(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.
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The chassis cutout will be preserved
with the restoration as the car will again be fitted with a Ford engine
The disassembly is complete. All usable original components will be incorporated into the restoration. Any not reused will be saved.
August 2013 - work resumes after several years in storage. Slow steady progress
December 2013
Panels and parts are finally back from the painter, and final reassembly is underway
Riveting is done and the tub is ready to come off the jig to complete fitting of suspension, engine, gearbox, and plumbing
Feb 2014
The suspension components including spares, and the original pedals are back from the plater and ready for final assembly
April 2014
Suspension components mounted to chassis.
Starting to look like a race car again!
March 2014
The orignal seat is being repaired and modified to accomadate belts and HANS device.
August 2014
The beautiful 427 ci race engine from Ford has finally arrived and is being assemlbed
New Weber carburetors will supply the fuel
September 2014..
fabrication of the headers is completed and they're ready for paint or coating
April 2015
Plumbing and brakes are finished
June 2015
Engine assembly is complete - ready for plug wires
then off to the dyno!
August 2015
'great run on the dyno!
... finally ready to go into the car
August 2017
Final assembly is in progress
Car delivered October 2017!
Bill's workmanship was outstanding and the car is immaculate!
Well worth the wait!
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The Amelia Island
Concours d' Elegance
2018
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