4. Gary Ward Lola

These beautifully-engineered racing cars are fine machines, and forty years ago this one would compete in the Esso Formula Ford Championship in the hands of British driver, Gary Ward.

Andrew says he found the car as a kit of parts. “I already had one of these Lolas which I’d raced in the 1980s and when I needed some spare parts I acquired this car. It spent time in storage while I ran a racing team but when I decided to restore both of them I discovered they were consecutive chassis numbers.”

That amazing coincidence came as quite a surprise, but it’s just another fascinating part of the history. The owner goes on to say that it took around two years to complete the restoration, with the main challenge being sourcing the correct panels and castings. 

Since being finished Andrew has raced it on a number of occasions as well as taking part in sprint events at Goodwood, but this year will see it reunited with its former driver.

The Heroes of FF1600 Sprint Cup is a new series that will run at three circuits - Thruxton, Oulton Park and Croft. And getting behind the wheel will be the driver from all those years ago, Gary. To reunite car and driver is very exciting, and he has fond memories of the Lola.

“I used it for the whole of the 1984 season and achieved some good results, and the fact I’m racing it again shows I much I enjoyed it! I’m thrilled that Andrew has given me the opportunity and I can’t wait for the first event in June.”

Enthusiasts of Formula Ford will certainly enjoy admiring this superb example, and we’d definitely encourage people to see it in action during the year. That it’s racing story is set to continue makes it even more special.