McLaren M1A

Last updated
McLaren M1A [1]
McLaren M1B [2]
McLaren M1C [3]
McLarenM1B Spa 2010.JPG
Category Group 7
Constructor McLaren
Production1963-1968
Technical specifications
Chassis Steel-reinforced tubular space frame covered in fiberglass panels
Length145–164 in (3,700–4,200 mm)
Width59–64 in (1,500–1,600 mm)
Height30–35 in (760–890 mm)
Axle track Front: 51–52 in (1,300–1,300 mm)
Rear: 51–52 in (1,300–1,300 mm)
Wheelbase 89–91 in (2,300–2,300 mm)
Engine Mid-engine, longitudinally mounted, 3.5–6.2 L (214–378 cu in), Oldsmobile
Chevrolet small-block
Chevrolet big-block
Ford FE, 90° V8, NA
Transmission Hewland L.G. 500 4-speed or L.G. 600 5-speed manual
Power310–550 hp (230–410 kW)
Weight1,215–1,850 lb (551–839 kg)
Competition history
McLaren M1A McLaren M1A at Silverstone.jpg
McLaren M1A
McLaren M1B McLaren M1B Mallory Park.JPG
McLaren M1B

The McLaren M1A, and its derivatives, the McLaren M1B [4] and the McLaren M1C, are a series of mid-engined Group 7 sports prototype race cars built by McLaren, between 1963 and 1968. [5] [6] [7] [8]

The M1A was the team's first self-designed and developed sports car. Later versions, such as the 'M1B' and 'M1C', competed and raced in the North American Can-Am series, starting in 1966 season. [9] [10] [11] The car was raced in North America and Europe in 1963 and 1964 in various Group 7 and United States Road Racing Championship series events. 24 examples of the M1A and M1B were built, and 25 examples of the M1C were manufactured. [12]

The car was powered by a few different motors, including Chevrolet small-block engine, an all-aluminum Oldsmobile V8 engine, a Chevrolet big-block engine, and even a Ford FE engine. [13] [14] It was constructed out of a tubular space frame chassis, and, combined with its light weight of 551 kg (1,215 lb) this gave it a great power-to-weight ratio. [15] The 4.5 L (270 cu in) Oldsmobile V8 engine developed around 310 hp (230 kW), [16] while the 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet small-block V8 engine was capable of developing over 550 hp (410 kW), and 538 lb⋅ft (729 N⋅m) of torque. [17] [18] This drove the rear wheels through a Hewland L.G.500 four-speed manual transmission. [19]

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