Sorting out the various models
The Cox Lola T70 is one of the most elusive 1/24 scale slot cars to obtain. Here is some information as to know which one is which.
Confusing picture with lots of different cars and boxes. How can we sort out this mess?
The car was first issued as an export model only in 1967 and sold directly from Hong Kong to a few countries. In its first iteration, it used the modified mold of the defunct K&B T70 with a simplified rear, a redesigned cockpit and chassis fastening.
This first version was molded in blue styrene with some vinyl content and bolted to a new gold-anodized sidewinder chassis. This featured the Ackerman steering from the Lotus 40 RTR, but the wheels and tires were plain aluminum with plated plastic crude wheel inserts. Far away from the beautiful and well detailed magnesium wheels made in Santa Ana…
The tires were also specific to this car. The motor was the big Cox “NASCAR” 3500 and the gears were again, specific to this car. Sealed inside a clear poly bag, it was sold in a small car-size box with end flaps.
The first version is in the background.
The chassis from below…
and top.
The first box is in the background, while the last is on front. In between, the first type was used with an added sticker on its sides changing the technical spec.
This shows the indented cockpit fitted with the universal Cox driver glued on top of its “seat”.
The second issue was introduced in late 1967 and can be seen in a b&w picture in the 1968 Cox USA-only catalogue. It featured a chassis patterned after the famous Cox Ford Galaxie used by Dan Gurney to win its fourth Riverside 500 race, using nickel plated brass tubing soldered to brass plates. The whole unit was pivoted from two posts molded directly on the body. The front axle was also mounted on lugs hanging in the front of the body.
This picture shows 3 Lolas with their inline chassis. The motor used was the small Cox “NASCAR” 3600, same size as our familiar Mabuchi FT16D. A Cox “Quick-Change” guide with tall post and “La Cucaracha” wheels were standard equipment.
This second version was first sold in the same box as the original but fitted with a sticker covering the original specification. It was first issued in blue, then a second series was available in yellow and white. Both these are even scarcer than the blue version. An ultimate version in purple used a new box with a color picture of the car. I don’t have one here to show you as mine is away for its winter vacation at this time.
You can see that the cockpit has been “flattened” to clear the inline mill.
One can distinguish the inline versions from the sidewinder by simply looking at wheels and cockpit.
This car had a broken chassis lug, often the case when these cars are found, so a new one was fabricated from Plexiglas and fitted. It is now awaiting its color matching.
So now you know the whole story… The Cox Lola is one of the scarcest and most expensive Cox cars for the collectors. Few are ever seen, and when they are, 4 figures are the norm in Euros or Dollars. That’s how it goes, not my fault. I got mine when they were somewhat cheaper… get your own!
