10 Oldest McLaren Models

McLaren is a brand that is synonymous with speed, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. For decades, this British automaker has been a leader in the world of high-performance sports cars, producing some of the most iconic and memorable vehicles of all time. From the legendary McLaren F1 to the sleek and modern 720S, the brand has always been at the forefront of automotive design and engineering.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the oldest McLaren models and explore its fascinating history. We’ll delve into the car’s design, its performance capabilities, and its significance in the world of motorsport. Whether you’re a die-hard McLaren fan or simply interested in the history of automotive engineering, you won’t want to miss this in-depth exploration of the oldest McLaren ever released.

10. McLaren M16

photo source: Collier Automedia

The McLaren M16 was a racing car developed by McLaren for the 1971 Indianapolis 500. The car was designed by Gordon Coppuck and featured an advanced aerodynamic design that helped to improve its performance on the track. Only six M16 cars were built. The M16 was powered by an Offenhauser turbocharged 2.65-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine was capable of producing up to 900 horsepower, which gave the M16 impressive speed and acceleration on the track.

The M16 was one of the first race cars to feature advanced aerodynamics, including a distinctive “spoon” shape at the back of the car that helped to improve downforce and stability. This design was highly effective, and it set a new standard for racing car design in the years to come.

Did You Know?

The M16 proved to be highly successful in its debut at the Indianapolis 500, with driver Mark Donohue taking first place in the race. The car went on to win the Indy 500 again in 1972 and 1974, as well as numerous other races in the USAC and CART series.

9. McLaren M6GT

photo source: Top Gear

The car was based on the successful McLaren M6A racing car, but it was modified for road use with a more luxurious interior and other features. Only three M6GT cars were built, plus a single prototype. The M6GT was powered by a Chevrolet V8 5.7-liter engine, which was the same engine used in the racing version of the car. This engine was modified to produce around 370 horsepower, which gave the M6GT impressive performance for a road car.

The M6GT was never intended for mass production, but rather as a prototype for a limited production run of road cars. However, the project was ultimately canceled due to financial constraints and other factors. One of the three M6GT cars built was owned by Bruce McLaren himself, while the other two were sold to private collectors.

Did You Know?

The M6GT was intended to be the first in a series of limited-production road cars from McLaren. However, the project was ultimately canceled due to financial constraints and other factors. McLaren went on to focus exclusively on racing cars and did not produce another road car until the introduction of the McLaren F1 in 1993.

8. McLaren M7A

photo source: McLaren.com

The McLaren M7A was a racing car designed and built by the McLaren team in 1968. It was designed to compete in the Formula One racing series and was driven by Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme. The M7A was a significant improvement over the previous McLaren F1 cars, featuring a more modern design with improved aerodynamics and a lighter, stronger chassis. Its engine helped to make the M7A one of the fastest and most competitive cars on the grid, and it helped Bruce McLaren win the team’s first Formula One race at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix.

The M7A was designed by Robin Herd and Gordon Coppuck, who were both young, up-and-coming designers at McLaren at the time. Their design philosophy emphasized lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and powerful engines, which helped to make the M7A one of the most competitive cars on the grid.

Did You Know?

The M7A’s Ford-Cosworth DFV engine was a major breakthrough in Formula One technology. It was a lightweight, high-revving engine that produced more than 400 horsepower, which was a significant improvement over the older engines used in Formula One at the time.

7. McLaren M6A

photo source: Wikipedia

The McLaren M6A is a racing car that was designed to compete in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) series, which was a sports car racing championship held in North America. The M6A was a very successful car, winning five of the six races in the 1967 season, and helping Bruce McLaren win the driver’s championship. The car was powered by a Chevrolet 5.9-liter (360 cubic inch) V8 engine, and had a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis.

The car’s lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and powerful engine made it very fast and agile on the track. In addition to its success in the Can-Am series, the M6A also set a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, one of the most challenging race tracks in the world.

Did You Know?

The M6A’s Chevrolet V8 engine was modified by McLaren to produce around 525 horsepower, which was a significant increase over the standard production engine. This made the car one of the most powerful racing cars of its time.

6. McLaren M4B

photo source: Tumblr

The McLaren M4B was a significant car in the history of the McLaren racing team. It was a Formula One car that was designed to compete in the 1967 season. The M4B was the successor to the M2B model, and it represented a significant step forward in terms of technology and design. The car was powered by a Ford-Cosworth DFV V8 engine, which was a groundbreaking powerplant that would go on to become one of the most successful engines in the history of Formula One.

The M4B featured a monocoque chassis made of aluminum and a fiberglass body. The chassis was designed to be lightweight and rigid, providing excellent handling and a responsive driving experience. The car’s aerodynamic design helped to reduce drag and improve overall performance.

Did You Know?

The M4B was also notable for being one of the first Formula One cars to use a wing for aerodynamic downforce, a feature that would become standard in racing cars in the years to come.

5. McLaren M1C

photo source: Matthews Collection

The McLaren M1C was the third iteration of McLaren’s highly successful M1 series of sports racing cars. It was first introduced in 1967, after the M1B, and featured a number of significant improvements over its predecessor. The M1C was designed in response to changing regulations in sports car racing, which required a more robust chassis to handle the increased power and performance of the engines.

The car featured a new chassis that was stiffer and stronger than previous models, as well as a revised suspension system that provided greater stability and control. The M1C was produced in a limited run of just 25 models, making it one of the rarer models in the McLaren M1 series. However, it still achieved significant success on the racing circuit, with wins in events such as the 1967 Can-Am season opener at Road Atlanta.

Did You Know?

This engine was coupled with a new Hewland LG500 five-speed gearbox, which allowed for smoother and more precise shifting during races.

4. McLaren M2B

photo source: OldRacingCars.com

The McLaren M2B was a significant milestone in the history of McLaren as it marked the team’s first foray into Formula One racing. Introduced in 1966, the M2B was designed by Robin Herd and Bruce McLaren himself. The car was powered by a Ford-Cosworth DFV 3.0 L V8 engine, which would go on to become one of the most successful engines in the history of the sport. While the car failed to finish the race due to an oil leak, it showed promising speed and handling in practice sessions.

In subsequent races, the team continued to refine the car, improving its performance and reliability. Despite being a relatively small team at the time, McLaren’s innovative approach to car design and engineering allowed them to compete with much larger and more established teams.  The M2B laid the foundation for future McLaren successes in Formula One, including numerous drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

Did You Know?

The M2B made its debut at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, driven by Bruce McLaren.

3. McLaren M1B

photo source: Ultimecarpage.com

The McLaren M1B was a sports racing car that featured a number of design improvements over its predecessor, including a stiffer chassis, improved suspension, and a more powerful engine. Under the hood, the M1B was powered by a Chevrolet 5.3-liter V8 engine, which was capable of producing up to 450 horsepower. This engine, combined with the car’s lightweight design, allowed it to achieve impressive speeds and acceleration on the track.

The M1B also helped to establish McLaren as a leading maker of high-performance racing cars, paving the way for the brand’s continued success in motorsport. Today, the M1B is considered a classic of automotive engineering and design, and is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Did You Know?

The M1B was the first car to feature a number of design elements that would become hallmarks of the McLaren brand, including the distinctive orange and white livery and the use of a Chevrolet V8 engine.

2. McLaren M2A

photo source: Wikipedia

The McLaren M2A is a historic sports car produced by the British manufacturer McLaren in 1964. It was designed by Robin Herd and Bruce McLaren, and served as the prototype for the company’s first Formula One car. The M2A was built on a lightweight aluminum chassis and was powered by a Ford 4.2L V8 engine, capable of producing 245 horsepower.

The car was also equipped with a Hewland LG500 manual transmission, and featured disc brakes on all four wheels, which was an innovative feature at the time. The car was used extensively in testing and development by McLaren, and was driven by both Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. The M2A also made an appearance at the 1966 Goodwood Easter Monday meeting, where it was driven by the legendary racing driver, Jackie Stewart.

Did You Know?

The McLaren M2A was unique in that it was built with a closed cockpit, which was unusual for sports cars of that era.

1. McLaren M1A

photo source: Supercars.net

The McLaren M1A was a sports racing car that was first produced in 1964 by the British automaker McLaren. It was the company’s first-ever car designed specifically for racing and was a crucial step in the brand’s journey to becoming one of the most successful names in motorsport. Despite its rarity, the car’s impact on the world of motorsport was significant, with numerous wins and podium finishes throughout its racing career.

The car’s lightweight design and impressive power-to-weight ratio allowed it to reach speeds of up to 180 mph, making it a formidable competitor on the track. The M1A’s design was also ahead of its time, with a sleek and aerodynamic body that was optimized for speed and performance. The car’s low-slung profile and curvaceous lines gave it a distinctive look that has since become synonymous with the McLaren brand.

Did You Know?

The M1A was designed by Bruce McLaren, the founder of the McLaren brand, and was the first car that the company produced entirely in-house.