Lola T711 classic cars for sale

History of the Lola T711

The Lola T711 marked a pivotal moment in prototype racing during the mid-1980s. The T711 was engineered by Lola Cars as a specialised chassis, tailored to fit the extreme performance and durability demands of the IMSA GTP series. Its most prominent role came when it was fielded under the banner of the Chevrolet Corvette GTP project, an official effort by General Motors to take on the American IMSA Grand Touring Prototype class. The collaboration brought together British chassis expertise and American power, making the T711 a formidable presence in the sports car racing scene from 1984 to 1989.

Model history

The Lola T711 did not follow a typical production car model cycle. Instead, it existed as a purpose-built race chassis derived from Lola's previous prototype experience. There was no direct predecessor specifically named T711; Lola developed several GTP and Group C chassis through the 1980s, and the T711 built upon the technical foundations laid by earlier designs such as the T600. After its competitive period, no direct successor carried the T711 name, as Lola continued to develop new chassis for evolving regulations and customer needs.

Highlights of the Lola T711

This car exemplifies high-tech motorsport engineering of its era, featuring advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge materials suited for the rigours of endurance racing. The T711’s close link with the Chevrolet Corvette GTP programme signifies a direct connection to top-level motorsport development. As a rare chassis, it represents Lola’s commitment to pushing competitive limits, matched by the close collaboration with an American car manufacturing giant.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There are no widely documented factory special editions of the Lola T711, as it was produced for motorsport use rather than public sale. Each chassis was typically tailored to specific team or development requirements, resulting in slight variations, but these were not promoted as special editions in the traditional sense.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The performance of the Lola T711 was at the absolute cutting edge of its era’s racing technology. Its Chevrolet powerplant delivered formidable output tuned for endurance, while the Lola-developed chassis allowed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, necessary to compete in the fast and demanding world of IMSA GTP. Handling characteristics were honed for professional racers, offering direct feedback and razor-sharp responses on circuits. While the T711 occupies the entire Lola presence in this category, it stands on its own as the only highlighted model from this make and series. Detailed technical data depends on individual chassis configuration but always adheres to the core ethos of prototype race engineering.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

As a bona fide racing prototype, the Lola T711 was all function, with form dictated by wind tunnel data and the needs of endurance racing. The cockpit was minimalist and purpose-driven, built for safety and accessibility during long-distance events. High-strength composites and purposeful aerodynamics defined the exterior, while interior comfort was entirely secondary to weight reduction and driver efficiency. Any colour or livery would have been dictated by the racing team, with sponsor branding and team colours providing the visual identity.

Summary

The Lola T711 represents a singular chapter in prototype racing, defined by its technical partnership with the Chevrolet Corvette GTP effort and its focus on outright circuit performance. It is a highly specialised piece of motorsport history, with every car embodying the engineering ideals of its period and the competitive spirit of the IMSA GTP era.