Stephen
Fry tells the story of Lola
Rounding
off a year of celebrations, the fiftieth anniversary
of the founding of Lola cars is now marked by
the release of a new DVD that chronicles the
history of the famous sportscar manufacturer.
Narrated
by Stephen Fry - a local resident as well as
genuine enthusiast - Lola: The First 50
Years charts the remarkable story of one
of Britain’s best loved and most prolific
racing car manufacturers.
Celebrating
it’s Golden Anniversary in 2008, Lola
has designed and built more racing cars than
any other constructor. Almost 4000 cars proudly
wear the famous Lola badge and a majority of
Formula One champions have raced and won in
Lola cars during their careers.
The
film details the firm’s humble beginnings,
in the South East London suburb of Bromley where,
in 1958 Lola originator Eric Broadley built
the foundations for the successful Lola brand
in a tiny workshop loaned by a friend. The story
continues through to the present day multi million
pound state-of-the-art facility that Lola operates
in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Among the many
racing successes documented are the Indy 500
wins of 1966, 1978 and 1990, the famous ‘Hondola’
F1 win at Monza 1967 and the full history of
Lola’s assaults on the Le Mans 24 Hours.
All are colourfully depicted by great archive
footage and the recollections of the drivers
and crews that won for Lola on the world stage.
Current
owner and Executive Chairman of Lola Group,
Martin Birrane, along with a cast of famous
racing personalities such as John Surtees, Sir
Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and AJ Foyt, chronicle
the story of Lola. The DVD also traces the desperate
days of 1997, when Lola was within days of ceasing
to exist and this very British company found
itself at a significant crossroads.
Exciting
historical footage and contemporary film recalling
some of the spectacular celebrations during
the 50th year make for absorbing viewing. So
too the insights and memories from such as Brian
Redman, Mark Blundell, Michael Andretti, Al
Unser Jnr, Bobby Rahal, Sebastien Bourdais and
Paul Tracy.
As
well as looking at Lola’s significant
victories on the track, the film charts the
less well-known diversification into other industries.
During Martin Birrane’s ownership the
Aerospace, Defence, Communications and Automotive
industries have benefited from Lola’s
engineering skills and its renowned capabilities
in composite technology.
A
2008 visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of
York is also featured as is the novel sight
of a Lola LMP1 car lighting up its tyres in
the directors car park!
Martin
Birrane reminisces on his first ever memories
of both racing and owning Lola cars; “This
is the most substantial story ever told of Lola’s
epic journey over the years. Eric Broadley was
the talented innovator and founder of a great
British marque. Sadly it fell upon hard times
in 1997. I then took on the challenge of resuscitating
and saving the brand. This was accomplished
despite the hardships encountered by motorsport
in the late 90’s and early part of the
present decade. I am delighted to say we have
had many successes in the past 11 years, all
hard earned but all very rewarding. Lola has
been described as a pretty young girl that grew
into a beautiful and sophisticated woman, never
out of fashion and I feel that is quite an accurate
observation. What this film shows is the depth
of feeling that so many people have for the
brand and also for its staying power during
the last 50 years. I am sure hardened enthusiasts
and new fans to the sport of motor racing will
enjoy this film in equal measure.”
The
film is 80 minutes long and includes some superb
extras and should hold interest for racing fans
worldwide. Lola – The First 50 Years
is available now from various outlets,
including Motorsport
DVD, priced £14.99.
