F1 Lola T97/30 Mastercard full running car

The Lola T97/30 represents one of the most interesting and rare chapters in Formula 1 history. Built by the legendary British constructor Lola Cars, this car reflects the ambition of a manufacturer with decades of experience in Formula 1, IndyCar and Le Mans.

For the 1997 Formula 1 season, Lola entered the championship as a full works team under the name MasterCard Lola Formula One Team, supported by title sponsor Mastercard. Although the project had a short lifespan, the car remains a true and authentic example of late-1990s Formula 1 engineering.

Production numbers – exceptionally rare

In total, only four Lola T97/30 chassis were produced:

• One car is preserved in a museum collection (chassis nr. 3)
• One F1 car (chassis nr. 4) remains with Lola Cars in the United Kingdom unit 2012 when it closed but its missing now
• The remaining two cars are owned by GP Cars 4 Sale (chassis nr. 1 and 2)

This makes the Lola T97/30 one of the rarest Formula 1 cars available on the market today.

Racing history

The Lola T97/30 competed in the 1997 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

Drivers:

• Vincenzo Sospiri
• Ricardo Rosset

Event participation:

• Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne – March 1997
• Brazilian Grand Prix – Interlagos – April 1997 (entered)

Originally the programme was planned for 1998, but the debut was brought forward to 1997. As a result, the Lola T97/30 became part of one of the most unique and memorable Formula 1 projects of the 1990s.

Running Formula 1 car – prepared for gentleman drivers

The example offered by GP Cars 4 Sale is a running and driving Formula 1 car, making it suitable for demonstrations, track days and private collections.

The car is fitted with a Cosworth AC V8 engine, offering strong performance combined with improved usability.

Technical highlights:

• Running Formula 1 car
• Cosworth V8 AC type engine installed
• Original Lola Formula 1 gearbox present
• Gearbox converted to manual shift configuration
• Easier to operate compared to original paddle shift system
• Ideal for gentleman drivers and collectors
• Suitable for track use, demonstrations or display
• Authentic Formula 1 chassis from 1997 season

The manual gearbox configuration allows a wider group of drivers to experience a real Formula 1 car in a controlled and enjoyable way.

It is important to note that the Cosworth CV engine is not the original engine that was fitted to the Lola T97/30 in 1997. The Lola originally competed with the Ford ECA Zetec-R V8, a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre Formula 1 engine.

Specifications of the Cosworth CV V8:

• Capacity: 2,993 cc
• Configuration: 90° V8
• Power output: approximately 480–520 bhp, depending on specification
• Maximum engine speed: approximately 10,000–11,000 rpm
• Weight: approximately 120 kg
• Naturally aspirated, non-turbocharged

The Cosworth CV engine is frequently chosen for historic Formula 1 projects because it is more reliable, more cost-effective to maintain and easier to operate than many of the original Grand Prix engines from the 1990s.

For this 1997 Lola, it is therefore accurate to state:

The car is currently powered by a 3.0-litre Cosworth CV V8 engine, installed to provide a reliable and user-friendly driving experience while preserving the authentic Formula 1 character of the car.

Designed by Eric Broadley

Lola was founded by renowned engineer Eric Broadley, whose company supplied race cars to top-level motorsport for decades.

Lola chassis competed worldwide in:

• Formula 1
• IndyCar
• Le Mans 24 Hours
• Formula 3000
• Various international race series

Owning a Lola Formula 1 car means owning a piece of motorsport engineering history.

Collectible, usable and visually impressive

The Lola T97/30 offers collectors the opportunity to acquire a rare and original Formula 1 car with strong visual presence and a unique story.

Key characteristics:

• Extremely limited production (4 cars built)
• Genuine Formula 1 chassis
• Recognisable 1990s Formula 1 design
• Attractive collector’s piece
• Suitable for display, events or driving
• Rare opportunity to acquire a running Formula 1 car

Worldwide delivery

GP Cars 4 Sale provides worldwide shipping and can assist with transport, export documentation and delivery to your collection, showroom or circuit.

Additional photos, videos and technical details are available upon request.