Some manufacturers play on their history too much. Audi wheels out a Quattro S1 rally car with a grizzled Swedish veteran pretty much every time it launches a new four-wheel drive model; this despite having been away from front-line rallying for three decades.
Reverential without going over the top
By contrast, new-era McLaren has - until now - done surprisingly little to reference the original F1. But now the company is launching a special edition that does reverential to just the right degree: the 650S Le Mans. As its name suggests it's been built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR's stunning victory at the 24 Hours race, and includes a modern take on the original F1's 'snorkel' air intake.
The Le Mans has been designed 'in consultation' with Peter Stevens according to the official release, the man who styled the original F1, and although it's mechanically unchanged from the standard 650S it gets unique lightweight wheels - also inspired by the motorsport rims of the 1995 race cars - and the front bumper and rear splitter are made from carbon. The 'Sarthe Grey' paint is the same shade as that of the GTR, too.
Cabin gets some orange trim as well
Only 50 Le Mans will be produced, and it doesn't come cheap at £244,500. But buyers will also receive "an exclusive invitation for the owner plus a guest to join McLaren at a 20th anniversary celebration of the famous victory."