Lola T490 classic car for sale
The Lola T490 is a British-built Group 5 Sports 2000 prototype from 1977, known for its lightweight chassis, Cosworth BDH engine, and competitiveness in 2-litre sports car racing. Ads often emphasise its undamaged chassis, modularity for parts swaps, and a notable motorsport pedigree. Below you’ll find detailed information and technical data for the Lola T490.
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1976 | Lola T490B
Unique car with awards
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Create listingLola T490 Classic Cars: Prices & Market Values
Introduction and history of Lola T490
The Lola T490 emerged in 1977 as Lola's answer to the growing Sports 2000 prototype scene. Built in Great Britain, the T490 adopted a reinforced Sport 2000 chassis engineered for durability and performance under racing conditions. Developed specifically for Heini Mader Racing, this model came as a result of bespoke orders, adding exclusivity to each chassis produced. Motorsport magazines such as 'Echappement' provided comprehensive coverage of T490 tests, with the car regularly found at the sharp end of its class thanks to its clever engineering and reliability. Many examples possess detailed competition records, underlining Lola’s focus on professional motorsport participation.
Model history
The Lola T490 sits within the lineage of Lola's successful Sports 2000 designs. It followed earlier Lola prototypes, improving upon chassis rigidity and serviceability. The T490’s era was short, but impactful, setting precedents for safety and speed in the 2-litre class. Chassis were supplied directly for racing, primarily to privateers and importers like Heini Mader, often delivered with original Lola plans for future support. Its successors built on this solid foundation, with improvements focusing on aerodynamics and materials.
Highlights of Lola T490
The Lola T490 is distinct among 1970s sports prototypes for its magnesium centre-lock wheels, renowned Cosworth BDH engine (delivering 196 bhp from just 1296 ccm at 10,500 rpm), and Hewland MK9 gearbox. The chassis is praised for both strength and damage resistance, often described as never having been crashed in surviving examples. Ownership frequently includes original Lola documentation, and many cars are accompanied by spare wheels, gears, and even engine sets. Test reports in period publications and records of class wins or lap records enrich its reputation further.
Technical data
Special Editions and Collectible Models
The Lola T490 stands out due to its custom orders, especially those for Heini Mader Racing, which often included enhanced features or documentation. Some cars are recognised for their exceptional racing records, making these specific chassis especially interesting for collectors focused on motorsport provenance.
Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling
The Lola T490’s Cosworth BDH powers the lightweight chassis to competitive speeds in the 2-litre sports category, turning 196 bhp at extraordinarily high revs. Coupled with the reliable and adjustable Hewland MK9 gearbox, the driver experiences immediate gear changes and fine-tuned setups tailored for different tracks. Strength and modularity remain at the core: quick gear ratio swaps and spare part interchangeability are possible, giving the T490 adaptability for racing demands. - Lola T490 with Cosworth BDH engine: 196 bhp, 1296 ccm, 10,500 rpm
- Magnesium centre-lock wheels and undamaged, original chassis emphasise collectibility and on-track reliability
Interior, Comfort, Exterior and design
The T490’s focus is pure function: its reinforced chassis, lightweight magnesium wheels, and purposeful cockpit layout underscore a no-compromise approach to racing engineering. Interiors are stripped to essentials, ensuring only the minimum for racing comfort and safety. Magnesium wheels with centre-locks and the minimalist fibreglass bodywork help maintain low weight and high rigidity. The availability of special accessories—such as additional wheels, transmission parts, or rare documentation—elevates the ownership experience for historic racing enthusiasts.
Other relevant features
Original technical plans from Lola still exist for several T490s, aiding restoration and authenticity checks. Reports from motorsport magazines, especially from the late 1980s, contribute valuable period insights into the car’s behaviour and engineering nuances.
Summary
The Lola T490 encapsulates British racing engineering from the late 1970s, defined by its Cosworth-powered engine, modular gearbox, magnesium centre-lock wheels, and tailored support for motorsport teams. Surviving cars often retain original documentation, spare parts, and verifiable competition records, making them formidable candidates for historic racing events—and a unique offering in the classic sports prototype market.