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]
 | |
| Category | Group 7 |
|---|---|
| Constructor | McLaren |
| Production | 1963-1968 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Chassis | Steel-reinforced tubular space frame covered in fiberglass 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 | Hewland L.G. 500 4-speed or L.G. 600 5-speed manual |
| Power | 310–550 hp (230–410 kW) |
| Weight | 1,215–1,850 lb (551–839 kg) |
| Competition history | |
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]