September 22, 1928 – Eric Broadley, founder of Lola Cars, is born

^{The first Lola prototype, built in 1958. By Tom Jeffs – CC BY-SA 4.0}

Eric Broadley, born on September 22, 1928, was a pioneering automotive designer and engineer who left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports. His passion for speed and innovation led him to establish Lola Cars, a company that would become synonymous with cutting-edge race car design. Throughout his illustrious career, Eric Broadley earned a reputation as one of the most influential auto designers of the post-war era, revolutionizing the world of motorsports with his groundbreaking creations.

Broadley was born in the picturesque town of Tunbridge Wells, England. His fascination with automobiles and their potential for speed developed at a young age, as he spent countless hours tinkering with various machines. This early interest in mechanics laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

^{Lola Mk6. By David Merrett – CC BY 2.0}

After completing his education, Eric pursued an engineering apprenticeship, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of automotive technology. This experience would prove invaluable as he embarked on a career in motorsports.

Founding Lola Cars

Broadley debuted his first car, the Broadley Special, in 1956. Like many race cars of the era, it featured an Austin 7 frame. In 1958, while at the age of 30, Eric Broadley founded Lola Cars. He established the company in Bromley, Kent, with a vision to create high-performance race cars that would push the boundaries of speed and technology. The name “Lola” came from “Whatever Lola Wants,” a song in the contemporary musical Damn Yankees.

Lola Cars quickly gained a reputation for innovation and excellence in the motorsports world. Broadley’s meticulous attention to detail and willingness to experiment with new materials and designs set his cars apart from the competition. Under his leadership, Lola became a trusted name in racing circles.

Broadley’s contributions to motorsports are immeasurable. He introduced numerous groundbreaking innovations that transformed the industry. One of his most significant achievements was the development of the monocoque chassis, a structural design that combined the car’s body and chassis into a single unit. This innovation greatly enhanced a car’s aerodynamics, handling, and overall performance.

^{A Lola-built Nissan R90CK Group C sports car at the DAMC Oldtimer Festival. By I, V12-Power, CC BY 2.5}

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Lola Cars achieved remarkable success in various racing categories, including Formula One, sports car racing, and IndyCar. Notable drivers such as Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart piloted Lola cars to victory, solidifying the company’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. Lola Cars ended services in 2012, however a planned 2024 revival is in the works.

The impact of Eric Broadley car design

Eric Broadley’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design left an enduring legacy. His creations not only won races but also influenced the direction of the entire motorsports industry. Many of his innovative design concepts continue to see use on modern racing cars.

^{Lola Mk.4, the first Lola Formula 1, at 1962 Dutch GP driven by Surtees.}

After several decades at the helm of Lola Cars, Broadley retired, though he maintained involvement in the automotive world as a consultant and mentor. His contributions to motorsports earned him numerous awards and honors, including inductions into various motorsports halls of fame.

Brian Corey