 | |
| Category | Group 7 |
|---|---|
| Constructor | McLaren |
| Production | 1963-1968 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Steel-reinforcedtubular space frame covered infiberglass panels |
| Length | 145–164 in (3,700–4,200 mm) |
| Width | 59–64 in (1,500–1,600 mm) |
| Height | 30–35 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 | HewlandL.G. 500 4-speed orL.G. 600 5-speedmanual |
| Power | 310–550 hp (230–410 kW) |
| Weight | 1,215–1,850 lb (551–839 kg) |
| Competition history | |
TheMcLaren M1A, and its derivatives, theMcLaren M1B[4] and theMcLaren M1C, are a series ofmid-enginedGroup 7sports prototype race cars built byMcLaren, between 1963 and 1968.[5][6][7][8]
The M1A was the team's first self-designed and developedsports car. Later versions, such as the 'M1B' and 'M1C', competed and raced in the North AmericanCan-Am series, starting in1966 season.[9][10][11] The car was raced in North America and Europe in 1963 and 1964 in various Group 7 andUnited States Road Racing Championship series events. 24 examples of theM1A andM1B were built, and 25 examples of theM1C were manufactured.[12]
The car was powered by a few different motors, includingChevrolet small-block engine, an all-aluminumOldsmobile V8 engine, aChevrolet big-block engine, and even aFord FE engine.[13][14] It was constructed out of atubular space frame chassis, and, combined with its light weight of 551 kg (1,215 lb) gave it a greatpower-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) oftorque.[17][18] This drove the rear wheels through aHewland L.G.500 four-speedmanual transmission.[19]
