McLaren presents remarkable M6GT: Restored
One-off project serves to remind us of Bruce McLaren's visionary status - and what MSO is still capable of...
What better way for McLaren’s new Forseven-era - one expected to deviate from its recent past in numerous ways - to kick off than with an evocative callback to its origin story? Sure, the formidable new W1 is unquestionably great, but the one-off, MSO-built M6GT that McLaren will bring to Festival of Speed this weekend is something else. Perhaps it is too much to hope that a Chevy-engined, road-going Can-Am car from the late ‘60s really can ‘inform the future’, but there is so much to relish in McLaren’s painstaking attention to detail that we’re minded not to care. Simply staring at the thing is pleasure enough.
Of course, the firm has used the car as a touchstone previously. As noted in the accompanying promo video, the UK-registered M6GT that Bruce built - and ultimately intended to produce at scale - is officially the race firm’s first road car. OBH 500H, which retained the monocoque structure and V8 engine of the M6A race version, was apparently used by the gaffer for his commute (those were the days, eh?). But Bruce died in 1970, and his vision of a McLaren road car wouldn't be taken up for another 25 years.
The car you see here, looking magnificent in ‘Colnbrook’ white, a bespoke, cream-based colour inspired by the livery of McLaren’s first F1 car, is a ground-up ‘restoration’ of the original concept, using the original body moulds and the reference materials contained within the firm’s archives. As with many such recreations, MSO says the new M6GT is a mixture of ‘restored components and freshly engineered one-offs to remain faithful to Bruce’s intent’ - in other words, a labour of love, and one that helpfully shows off the firm’s continuing dedication to craftsmanship.
This extends to the powertrain, which features a ‘small-block V8 fitted with ‘camel hump’ cylinder heads in line with the original specification’, as well as a very manual gearbox. Apparently the suspension is among the original hardware used for the project, and required the ‘sourcing of imperial-era bearings, specified to standards that are no longer in regular production’. The team even had to get specialist craftsman from the aerospace industry to install the closed aluminium dome rivets that were used throughout.
Interestingly, MSO identifies the cockpit as the ‘emotional and physical heart of the build’, which is understandable when you see it. From the hand-turned solid walnut gear knob to the custom vinyl seats - and epic use of homage-y green - the interior is a work of art, yet obviously retains its M6GT race car layout. Mclaren points to the hand-fabricated structural elements you can’t actually see, including the roll hoop, rear frame support structure, internal clam reinforcement and wiring harness, as points of pride. We’ve spent 20 minutes marvelling at the butterfly doors.
“The M6GT: Restored by MSO has been a labour of craft and care for the team and served as both a technical education and a living reminder of Bruce’s ambition to take McLaren beyond the racetrack,” said MSO Director, Jon Simms “This car occupies a unique place in our collection – a tribute to the very beginnings of the company and a spiritual education for its future.” And, indeed, the standout exhibit at McLaren House during this weekend’s Festival of Speed, which includes other nods to Bruce’s lineage (including an Austin 7 Ulster), and the F1 that made good on his vision for a supercar built to motorsport standards. We very much can’t wait.
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