VEHICLE ARCHIVE | 1971 McLaren M8F-1

1971 McLaren M8F-1

ENGINE: 7.9-8.4-liter Chevrolet V-8 (original engines)
HORSEPOWER: 700-720 (est. original engines)
NUMBER BUILT: 2 (est.)
RACE SERIES: Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am)

Campaigned by Denny Hulme and Peter Revson during the 1971 Can-Am season, in which McLaren would win its fifth consecutive overall victory, the M8F was the last factory-sponsored McLaren M8. The M8F built on McLaren’s extensive success in Can-Am racing and was stronger and had better braking and handling than previous versions. It also featured fins along the full length of the vehicle and a modified nose design allowing it to generate 1.5 tons of downforce. Denny Hulme drove this M8F to multiple first-place finishes throughout 1971, reinforcing McLaren’s papaya livery as a symbol of success.

COURTESY OF CHRIS MACALLISTER
VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ON DISPLAY