One for Giant Killing: 1978 De Cadenet-Lola LM-4 For Sale
Images via Duncan Hamilton & Co
This unique sports car racer has two World Sportscar Championship wins under its belt along with four years of 24 Hours of Le Mans history and a stint in Can-Am. It’s up for sale at Duncan Hamilton & Co.
The car, de Cadenet-Lola LM-4, is the latest machine produced by Alain de Cadenet’s sports prototype team. For the LM-4, the team designed a new tub with a longer wheelbase, improved aerodynamics through a comprehensive wind tunnel programme and used race-proven parts from previous builds such as suspension by Len Bailey.
Lola had input in the car, giving it its de Cadenet-Lola designation. A Ford Cosworth DFV is responsible for its power, which is ample – capable of shoving the LM-4 down the Mulsanne straight at 365 kilometers an hour.
LM-4 debuted in 1978, running in Can-Am and in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It took a class victory and second overall in the 1979 Silverstone 6-Hour with de Cadenet and Francois Migault driving, coming in behind the Porsche 935 of Bob Wollek, Hans Heyer and John Fitzpatrick. It also returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 20th.
1980 was the car’s most successful year. It claimed a class win and third overall in the Brands Hatch 6-hour and went on to win the 1980 1000 Kilometers of Monza and the Silverstone 6-Hour. Desiré Wilson partnered with de Cadenet for these races, becoming the first woman to win an FIA World Championship race.
Wilson, de Cadenet and Migault partnered for the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was an eventful one for the team. Wilson hit a damp patch during practice, went into the barriers and flipped. After the incident race organisers would not allow Wilson to race, despite the team putting in an immense effort to fix the car. De Cadenet and Migault would eventually finish seventh.
In 1981 LM-4 returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for a final run, but left the race 210 laps in.
Since that season it’s remained relatively untouched and is in exceptionally original condition. It’s since competed in the Le Mans Classic once and has raced in the Classic Endurance Racing series.
The car has recently been treated to a full nut and bolt restoration and is in great racing shape. It’s a unique car with a brilliant history, and it’s up for sale at Duncan Hamilton & Co. For the full details, see their website here.
Images via Duncan Hamilton & Co
