A race car without an engine is unlimited potential.
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When Grand-Am and the American Le Mans Series merged to create the modern top-level IMSA series in 2014, Mazda took the opportunity to return to prototype racing with a diesel-powered Multimatic LMP2 car. The program was unsuccessful until it developed into a more traditional gas-powered car run by another team in the DPi class years later, leaving the two-car SpeedSource team with three unsuccessful factory prototypes to be sold without engines. One of those cars was given new life in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, but at least one of the chassis went unused until now.
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Yes, this is a Multimatic-built Lola B12/80 previously raced by Mazda in IMSA’s top class without an engine listed on Bring A Trailer as if it were any old collector car.
Repackaging a custom engine into a prototype, particularly one like this that comes with a racing sequential transmission already installed, can be difficult. That does not make it impossible. The one former SpeedSource Mazda known to have already been converted for another use was given a Hayabusa-based V-8 by JFC Racing, then actually raced in local events throughout California. The build was far from easy, but that work can be repeated for any engine that fits between the tub and the transmission.
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The possibilities are endless. Should the new buyer prioritize predictability and get a Honda K-Series engine in the back? Should they pay tribute to Mazda’s Le Mans-winning history with a custom rotary build? Are they so ambitious that they think they will succeed where Mazda has failed, making it once again a functional diesel-powered prototype?
Bidding is up to $69,000 with just over one day remaining. If you win the car, please tell us what you plan to do with it.
Disclaimer: Bring a Trailer is owned by Road & Track’s parent company, Hearst Autos.
Keyword: This Mazda Prototype Chassis Is the Ultimate Engine Swap Candidate