Ford Mustang (3rd Gen) M81 McLaren 1980

[RandomCarGuy17]

A Mustang that I can't believe exists. Anyway, this is one of the rarest Mustangs you'll ever find, Ford intended that 250 of these would be made, but due to certain limitations in the terms of price and hand-construction; Mclaren could only squeeze out 10 of them. My main reason for wanting this in Gran Turismo (or any other racing game); it's a Ford Mustang tuned by Mclaren!

Another interesting thing to note is that it was theorized that the M81 Mustang was the first product of Ford's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). Although, I still think it's interesting that Ford had a partnership with Mclaren at one point.

Specs:
Engine - Turbocharged, 2.3L Inline 4
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
Power - 130 hp (97 Kw) @5,400 rpm
Torque - 145 ft-lbs (190 Nm)
Weight - 2576 lbs (1,171 kg)

Link(s):
http://www.mustanglab.com/mclaren-m81-mustang/
http://fastestlaps.com/cars/ford_mustang_m81_mclaren.html
http://www.scorpiocars.net/cars/Ford/1980_Mustang-M81-McLaren_8564

1980 Ford M81 McLaren Mustang Prototype at Indy 2023 as T143 - Mecum Auctions

1980 Ford M81 McLaren Mustang Prototype crossing the auction block at Indy 2023 as T143.

www.mecum.com

 

[StarLight]

Certainly a rare Mustang, thanks for sharing.
👍

 

[Nascarboy119]

I was just going to post this yesterday, but decided it was too late. Guess you beat me to it

 

[StarLight]

I was just going to post this yesterday, but decided it was too late. Guess you beat me to it

You known the expression: "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today"

 

[Amac500]

I can't believe a thread for this didn't exist, but then again it is pretty obscure. I'm not a big Mustang guy, but I would be all in for this car!

 

[vkmaxx]

The '80s style is so muscular

 

[Pootis]

I had no idea that this existed until now

 

[SCER]

All that widened bodywork for only 130bhp?! Oh dear.

 

[Epic B]

Looks cool and it's fairly light, but that's an anemic engine. Though I'm sure in game, it could take some decent mods. After all, it's possible to power a VW Bus past 200 horsepower, when it only has about 30 stock. Say, what's the race car in the first pic? I don't recognize it.

 

[Gotgame141]

Ford and Mclaren?

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Ford and Mclaren?

Yup, it happened once.

Say, what's the race car in the first pic? I don't recognize it.

I honestly don't know, I'm not an expert in open-wheeled machinery such as that. Though, it looks to me like an indy car.

 

[cbarbosa]

Voted! 👍

But a better engine is/was needed...

 

[JKgo]

I'm a Mustang guy but I rather have Dave Bautista punch me in the face and Brock Lesnar F5 me then drive a Fox-gen Mustang. Having said that, this IS interesting combination. Soooooo..........you get my vote, sir. Reluctantly.

 

[McarenMustang]

Hi I love this car do you know how many are left. Thanks

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Hi I love this car do you know how many are left. Thanks

I don't know how many are left, I just know how many were actually produced and you can find that in the OP.

 

[05XR8]

Just look up ASC McLaren. You'll find a whole slew of 80's customs by them.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Just look up ASC McLaren. You'll find a whole slew of 80's customs by them.

Um, okay, but 05XR8; this Mustang is NOT produced by ASC Mclaren though.
This Mustang was produced by Mclaren Automotive. You know, the British Car Manufacture behind the Mclaren F1 & P1.

 

[GranTurismo guy]

All that widened bodywork for only 130bhp?! Oh dear.

It is quite light at least

 

[05XR8]

Um, okay, but 05XR8; this Mustang is NOT produced by ASC Mclaren though.
This Mustang was produced by Mclaren Automotive. You know, the British Car Manufacture behind the Mclaren F1 & P1.

I know this. That's fine. Im just saying look up ASC McLaren.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

I know this. That's fine. Im just saying look up ASC McLaren.

Oh, alright then, but may I ask why are you saying this? I'm sorry for asking, but I just don't get how it's relevant to the thread other than having "Mclaren" in the name.

Also, I already know about who they are. It was another tuning company that specialized in modding Mustangs back in the 1980s as well as the Mercury Capri. I've even seen an ASC Mclaren Capri before at a car show once.

 

[05XR8]

I've even seen an ASC Mclaren Capri before at a car show once.

Yesssss. Exactly, for those that don't know or may not have heard of ASC McLaren. And this reminded me of those cars. Just extra info for people to look up.