Mclaren M1A 1964

[RACECAR]

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Intended as the replacement for the Zerex Special, the first plans for the 'McLaren Mark 1' dated back to late 1963. It was originally intended to use the same Climax four cylinder engine, but the team soon realized that the all-aluminium Oldsmobile would bring much better performance with little to no weight penalty. American engine specialists Traco Engineering would take the Olds' V8, originally produced 3.5 Liters before and then 3.9 liters when McLaren used it in the Zerex Special and stretch it even further to 4.5 liters before the engine was fitted to the first McLaren. Breathing through four Webers, it produced a solid 310 bhp.
Mated to a new Hewland four-speed gearbox, the Traco-Olds V8 was fitted into the brand new McLaren chassis. Like many contemporaries of the time, McLaren went for a spaceframe design. The multi-tubular frame had lightweight and exceptional rigidity, with relative ease to build and repair. More rigidity was added by bonding and riveting aluminium panels to the sides and floor of the frame. The main longitudinal tubes doubled as oil and water pipes for the front-mounted radiator. Conventional independent suspension and Girling disc brakes were used front and back. In September of 1964, Bruce extensively tested the rolling chassis at Goodwood. Shortly after, a Tony Hilder penned aluminum body was fitted and the McLaren M1 was ready for action.

This would bring the first original Sports car entirely done by McLaren and was the first in a long line of Bruce McLaren's amazing Sports cars.

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Engine: 4.5L Naturally Aspirated Traco/Oldsmobile V8
Horsepower: 310 HP
Transmission: Hewland LG400 4-Speed Manual
Weight: 829 KG
Drivetrain: RWD