Lola T280-4 HU2: The Epic Journey of an Exceptional Privateer Prototype

 

In late 1973, Heini Mader embarked on the construction of a 3-liter prototype, utilizing a new Lola T292 monocoque. This car incorporated a Cosworth DFV engine and benefited from the latest aerodynamic developments of the T282, giving birth to the T280-4 HU2 chassis.

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This formidable machine was acquired by Heinz Schulthess, a renowned Swiss "gentleman driver" who had already made a name for himself since 1970 in the Interserie and national Sports Prototype races with Grac and Lola T212 cars.

 

An Intense International Career (1974-1976)

1974: First Steps in the World Championship

For the 1974 season, Schulthess took a significant step by entering the Lola T280-4 HU2, despite limited resources compared to major teams. Thanks to financial support from Gulf Suisse, he participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and several rounds of the World Championship. He notably secured three victories in Swiss Sports Prototype races (SM Dijon and Hockenheim).

 

1975: The Year of Peak Performance

The 1975 season confirmed the Lola's potential. In addition to three World Championship races and an Interserie victory at Hockenheim (not listed in the provided race record but mentioned in the narrative), Schulthess re-entered the T280-4 HU2 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There, he achieved a remarkable qualifying performance, setting the 6th fastest overall time, surpassed only by the Mirage GR8, Ligier JS2, and a Porsche 908/3. The car also recorded the 3rd highest top speed on the grid, proving its raw efficiency.

 

1976: Final Season and Handover

1976 marked Heinz Schulthess's last season driving the T280-4 HU2. At the end of the year, he transferred the car to Fred Stalder (Roc Racing) to fully concentrate on his own team, TOJ Warsteiner.

 

A 3-Liter LOLA Still at the Forefront in CER2 Races and Le Mans Classic

Acquired by several historic racing competitors, this formidable 3-liter Lola is one of the key protagonists in the CER 2 and Le Mans Classic Plateau 6 grids. At Le Mans Classic 2024, its current owner finished second in the first race after qualifying with a time of 4 min 12.57 s.

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It has just been serviced by IDEC and validated by Nicolas Monassian on the Paul Ricard circuit.

Therefore, we are delighted to offer for sale a truly ready-to-race 3-liter Lola. It is eligible for the most prestigious historic races. This is a car built to win the CER 2 Championship and Le Mans Classic 2026. It is currently exhibited at the Retromobile show on the IDEC stand.

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Photo credit: Nicolas Delpierre & Wouter Melissen