For sale: Lola’s legendary wind tunnel

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It’s the end of an era when Lola is selling its wind tunnel. But it’s happening now. Months after Lola instigator Eric Broadley passed away, Lola Technical Centre is going to the highest bidder.

We doubt if this particular wind tunnel facility was there when Lola developed their own Mk6 and the GT40 for Ford, but fact is that their wind tunnel saw a large chunk of British racing history come by. After the GT40 the use for wind tunnel testing became even more and more the rigeur, as that car had famously been ‘somewhat unstable above 180mph’. After wind testing and some adjustments 200 mph was easily attainable, which must have helped to famously win that title at Le Mans in 1966.

Current Lola-boss Martin Birrane has decided that the continued development of the facility would be best ‘taken forward by those within the automotive or motorsport industry.’ Many of the current Formula One grid have developed cars in the Lola wind tunnel over the years, and of course Lola itself used the tunnel in the development of its all cars including the Le Mans prototypes and the A1 Grand Prix series cars. Birrane: “I am extremely pleased with the state-of-the-art Wind Tunnel facility and the contribution it has made to some of the most technologically advanced organisations in the world – in motorsport, aerospace, defence and automotive. It’s a successful and sustainable business in its own right and will be a valuable acquisition for any prospective buyer. It’s the start of an exciting new chapter, but I want to try and ensure it continues in ‘the right hands.” More info here.

(Words editor, picture Ford PR - note: not at Lola's facilities)

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