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$ 320,000

1978 Lola Spyder NF-11 Can Am Single Seater Budweiser

Description:

The Can-Am series originally ran from 1966 to 1974, paused due to the oil crisis, and then returned from 1977 through 1987. During its heyday, it attracted legendary drivers such as John Surtees, Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon, Jacky Ickx, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Peter Revson, Al Holbert, Mark Donohue, Mario Andretti, and Keke Rosberg, among many others.

Initially a Formula Libre-style series for sports cars with few restrictions—and engines producing up to 1,500 bhp in qualifying trim—it drew major international manufacturers like McLaren, Porsche, Shadow, and Lola. High-profile teams and sponsors followed. Races were held at iconic North American tracks including Watkins Glen, Mosport, Riverside, and Laguna Seca, drawing large crowds and television audiences.

John Surtees won the inaugural 1966 season in a Lola. From 1967 to 1970, the series became known as the "Bruce and Denny Show," with McLaren teammates Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme dominating. Peter Revson continued McLaren's success in 1971, followed by Porsche in 1972 and 1973, and Shadow in 1974. When the series resumed in 1977, it adopted new regulations based on Formula 5000 open-wheel cars, but with enclosed bodies—mostly using modified Lola chassis and Chevrolet V8 engines capable of exceeding 320 km/h.

This car, NF-11, is one of four "Spyder" cars built in Santa Barbara, California, as the NF-10 and NF-11 models in 1978 and 1979. According to former owner Bill Freeman and crew chief Jeff Johnson, it is the only surviving original Spyder car in the world—confirmed by an inscription on the front bulkhead and signed letters of authenticity from both men. The car was fully restored in Australia by Andrew, with guidance from original team members in the U.S.

The car was part of the Paul Newman and Bill Freeman (NF) Racing Team, sponsored by Budweiser, the Edmonton Oilers hockey team, and Goodyear. Its drivers included Keke Rosberg—who would win the Formula 1 World Championship in 1982 and is father of future champion Nico Rosberg—as well as accomplished American driver Elliot Forbes-Robinson ("EFR"). Other drivers who raced with the team included Bobby Rahal, Patrick Depailler, and Randolph Townsend. Andrew's car is presented in the exact livery and specification Keke drove in 1979.

The NF-10 Spyder performed well in 1978, with EFR finishing fourth in the Drivers' Championship. In 1979, Keke won the season opener at Road Atlanta in an NF-11, with EFR finishing third in another. At Charlotte, EFR took second and Keke third. At Mosport, EFR finished second while Keke and Townsend both crashed out. At Mid-Ohio, Keke claimed second and EFR third. Keke then won at Watkins Glen, though both EFR and Townsend retired with mechanical issues. EFR finished second overall in the 1979 championship, with Keke fourth, and Newman-Freeman Racing claimed the Teams' Championship by a single point over the Carl Haas team.

Still very active on the Australian racing scene.  A quick Google search will reveal countless videos of this monster in action.

FIVA certificate, documentation and a list of spares accompany the car.

Located in Australia Can help with shipping.

Price is $320,000.00 US OBO Located in Australia Pofessional pictures being taken soon and will update the site or email in the meantime for the folder.

This car is being represented by Kelly Dietrick, Exceptional Car Broker, brokering historic competition cars worldwide since 2004.

 




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Keyword Search Terms:

Can Am, Keke Rosberg, Lola, Budweiser, Single seat, Australia

Details:

Item Location: Boston
Seller: cargirl
Joined October 2024
  Kelly Dietrick
Seller's other listings
Country: United States of America
City: Philadelphia
Phone: 001-412-303-9897
32-0492 800485
Condition Used
Trade or Private: Private
Currency:
Price: $320,000
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Added: 11/29/2025
Views: 477

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