Wednesday 1st November 2023

McLaren marks 60 years with Triple Crown liveries

Indy Orange, Monaco White and Le Mans Grey celebrate iconic McLaren victories

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Today marks the first day of 2023’s penultimate month - yes, really - and so time is running out for any automotive anniversary celebrations. With this year marking six decades since Bruce McLaren formed his eponymous company, present-day McLaren has launched a range of options to mark the momentous occasion. 

The big news is fresh paint, inspired by the ‘Triple Crown’ victories: Le Mans, Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix. Yes, it’s an unofficial thing, and yes, there were 21 years between winning in the Brickyard (1974) and victory at La Sarthe (1995) but the rules are you get to do what you want on your birthday. So Triple Crown liveries it is.

Specifically, they’re Indy Orange, just like the triumphant M16D from the 70s, Monaco White which pays homage to the MP4/2 driven by Alain Prost, and Le Mans Grey, intended to invoke the iconic Ueno Clinic F1 GTR. Buyers going for Anniversary colours can also choose new brake caliper shades: Indy Blue is colour matched to the race number of the 1974 car, and Le Mans Gold replicates that used on the F1. One last thing, too: plump for carbon mirrors and there’s an additional ‘Speedy Kiwi’ logo unlocked, which can be had in Orange or Silver and matches the dedication plaque all of the 60-specced cars will receive. 

 

All the body and brake paint options are available on the new 750S, Artura and GT, though ‘Triple Crown Stripes’ are reserved for the 750. There will only be 60 made with them, too. The stripes feature a new Triple Crown logo, the victory years and even a contrasting rear wing underside to let everyone you’ve overtaken know what’s so special. Best keep it raised at all times, then, eh...

The interior of all three can be fitted with some new extras as well. They include an Indy Orange 12 o’clock marker (if the carbon steering wheel is added) and extended carbon paddles with stripes in the Triple Crown colours. The aforementioned brushed aluminium Speedy Kiwi dedication plaque features a McLaren Orange logo; a 750S with the stripes will get a ‘1 of 60’ marking on the plaque. 

Finally, don’t fret if you’re thinking this announcement doesn’t leave very long to win the Euromillions and spec your dream 60th anniversary McLaren. The entire range of options will be available to order for a year from now. A 750S in Monaco White with some Speedy Kiwis sounds spot on. 

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• ‘Peak supercar’ McLaren 750S unveiled
• 2022 McLaren Artura | UK Review

 

 

[B10]

Good to celebrate a great UK manufacturing company and their products.

[Hammersia]

lols at their definition of triple crown.

Puts them in the esteemed company of Ford, BMW, Honda, Peugeot and, er Renault, maybe. Something like that. I'm going to paint my 308 like this. (Yes Peugeot won Indy in 1916).

[IMI A]

Money no object I'd be asking MSO to do something bespoke with my 750s front bumper and rear exhaust. The 720s so much nicer in this regard.

[chrisironside]

They're lovely and all, but quite an underwhelming way to mark 60 years imo.

[911Spanker]

Will McLaren survive?

[British Beef]

To be fair, it is 60 years as a company, but excluding the F1, it is only 13 years as a "mainstream" supercar producer, since MP4 12C came out in 2011.

I think they need to win another F1 title to really release a special edition worth shouting about!!!

[Gruntled]

A friend who distributes 20+ car brands in several countries told me recently that he would give up his McLaren dealership in a heartbeat. Said he had to buy back 20% of a particular model because of manufacturing defects. Quality said to be appalling and “McLaren is very difficult to deal with”.

Not an overwhelming vote of confidence.

[Skeptisk]

Is the Artura selling well?

[myhandle]

It’s just on the cusp of being naff bit just about alright. Without the bonnet stripe I think it would be ok. The Alonso Edition 599 is how not to do a race inspired limited edition, it looks ridiculous. For the record I am a huge fan of the 599 and have done about 14,000 miles in one, so this is not about the 599 any more than it’s about the McLarens here, it’s about executing a special livery well. The Vanquish Red Arrows was also quite bad. I think the R129 SL320 and SL500 Mille Miglia are an example of how to do this sort of thing, they look special but not ridiculous.

[Slowlygettingit]

The big news is fresh paint…….

Said no one. Ever.


I do however like the discreet under wing branding.

[WCZ]

myhandle said:

It’s just on the cusp of being naff bit just about alright. Without the bonnet stripe I think it would be ok. The Alonso Edition 599 is how not to do a race inspired limited edition, it looks ridiculous. For the record I am a huge fan of the 599 and have done about 14,000 miles in one, so this is not about the 599 any more than it’s about the McLarens here, it’s about executing a special livery well. The Vanquish Red Arrows was also quite bad. I think the R129 SL320 and SL500 Mille Miglia are an example of how to do this sort of thing, they look special but not ridiculous.

Ferrari can do what they want, the Alonso edition goes for like £300k+ just based on rarity, as nuts as that is

[Howard1650]

911Spanker said:

Will McLaren survive?

as a company that has the resources to continue making enough money to stay afloat for the foreseeable future - no

it is just a usefull company for making questionablely gained proceeds appear legal for the middle east - yes

Edited by Howard1650 on Wednesday 1st November 14:26

[Hammersia]

Howard1650 said:

911Spanker said:

Will McLaren survive?

as a company that has the resources to continue making enough money to stay afloat for the foreseeable future - no

it is just a usefull company for making questionablely gained proceeds appear legal for the middle east

That escalated quickly

[GhostWKD]

To be fair the Orange 650S looks far better than the green one they've been parading about Still think its the carbon headlight surrounds that make it look far better

[corcoran]

911Spanker said:

Will McLaren survive?

Given this is the second round of 'special paint' models we've seen this year - that's a very astute question indeed.

[smilo996]

The sheer lack of effort is worth of a Porsche 911 special.
However, great to celebrate McLaren's racing history in some way.
Not really noticed the Atura before, looks pretty sharp.

[nismo48]

911Spanker said:

Will McLaren survive?

I do hope that they can and not be swallowed by some Asian conglomerate

[Nish Gnackers]

McLotus would be a fitting new name for this, now paintshop specal, car manufacturer.

[WhyOne]

Gruntled said:

.... Quality said to be appalling and “McLaren is very difficult to deal with”.

Not an overwhelming vote of confidence.

There is a very good wheel refurb company I sometimes use - they do all sorts of hard to fix historic stuff as well as day to day refurbs - who had a contact with the McLaren factory. McLaren were apparently appallingly poor payers - when chased they simply said something to the effect of 'we're McLaren, don't worry.

They no longer accept work from McLaren.

[Frimley111R]

WhyOne said:

There is a very good wheel refurb company I sometimes use - they do all sorts of hard to fix historic stuff as well as day to day refurbs - who had a contact with the McLaren factory. McLaren were apparently appallingly poor payers - when chased they simply said something to the effect of 'we're McLaren, don't worry. They no longer accept work from McLaren.

That's not uncommon in the slightest of any large organisation.