Lola T600 – Group C Before Group C

The Estoril Classics got underway this morning, Friday, with countless highlights making a visit to the Autódromo do Estoril a must for true motorsport enthusiasts. Among them is the Lola T600, regarded as the very first Group C car in history.

Group C regulations were officially introduced in 1982, with iconic machines such as the Porsche 956/962, Jaguar XJR-9 and Mercedes C9 going on to define the era. Yet one car was already ahead of its time – the Lola T600, which embraced the spirit of a rulebook that was still being finalised.

Unveiled in 1981, the T600 marked a milestone in endurance racing as the first car built to the regulations that would soon define one of motorsport’s most iconic eras, when Porsche, Jaguar and Mercedes fought fiercely for supremacy.

Designed by Eric Broadley, with contributions from Ralph Cooke and Max Sardou, it was the first prototype created from the ground up to harness ground-effect aerodynamics. Its sculpted underbody tunnels generated downforce without compromising speed, opening a new chapter in the evolution of endurance racing machinery.

The project was also pioneering in its adaptability to new regulations: the T600 was designed to compete simultaneously in the IMSA GTP Championship in the United States and under the requirements of the emerging Group C rules, which would come into force in 1982. This versatility set it apart from its contemporaries. The first chassis were delivered to Cooke-Woods Racing and fitted with naturally aspirated Chevrolet V8 engines, although turbocharged Porsche-powered versions were also tested.

The car made a sensational debut at Laguna Seca in the fifth round of the 1981 IMSA Championship, storming to victory. Brian Redman would go on to repeat the feat a further four times that season, securing the drivers’ title and breaking the long-standing dominance of the Porsche 935.

On the European stage, the T600 also made its mark, scoring victories at Enna-Pergusa and Brands Hatch in 1983 with Ford-Cosworth power, underlining its effectiveness across different championships.

In total, only 12 chassis were built between 1981 and 1983, yet the model’s influence was profound: the philosophy introduced by the T600 became the benchmark for an entire generation of prototypes that followed.

At Estoril Classics 2025, fans will have the chance to see this historic racing car not only on display but also back in competition. The Lola T600 will line up in Classic Endurance Racing II, driven by Philippe Scemama, offering enthusiasts the privilege of witnessing the return to the track of the car remembered as the very first Group C car.

Ticket sales for Estoril Classics 2025 once again underline the huge public enthusiasm for the event, with all Paddock passes now sold out, except for Friday access, which remains available. Spectators are also reminded that entry to the main straight grandstand is completely free, ensuring that every fan has the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of this unmissable event.