McLaren M8E

History

The current owner ordered a McLaren M8E tub from Harold Drinkwater. Drinkwater built the tub and stamped it 1991 NDR North Downs Racing (his last tub). He also supplied the owner with complete bodywork, suspension corners including brakes, as well as wheels and other items.

When the current owner picked up the car, the bodywork was mostly fitted to the chassis. However, the M8E still needed an engine, gearbox, paint, and final assembly. 

An engine and gearbox were sourced, and with the help and guidance of Bill Moir, the M8E was completed to exacting original McLaren standards.. Since then the M8E has had two track testing sessions to shake down the car and to ensure it was in proper working order. 

Description

The M8E is powered by a period-correct iron big block Chevy 427 with aluminum heads. Fuel is supplied by a Lucas timed fuel injection system rebuilt by Bob Slade of Slade Engines in Salinas, California. Ignition is MSD. The 427’s power is transmitted through a Tilton triple disc clutch to a Hewland LG500 four speed obtained from U.S. Hewland experts, Taylor Race Engineering.

Stopping is provided by period-correct AP/Lockheed brakes. The shocks are also period-correct Koni 8212 double adjustables. Springs are Eibach 450 in front and 650 in the rear. 

The wheels are Keizer. They are CNC cold spun and double heat treated with double wall outer rolled lips, and cold forged billet centers for maximum strength and reliability. The M8E will also come with an original set of McLaren wheels with 1971 AM castings. 

The McLaren is basically a brand new 1971 McLaren M8E with two track shakedown sessions on it. No claims are being made to any particular history or chassis number. Having said that, due to the exacting standards under which the car was completed, it could well be closer to original than many of the other McLaren Can Am cars out there that have been repaired, modified, or recreated over the years. As such the car should easily qualify for FIA HTP papers which will permit it to race at great historic racing events worldwide. 

This M8E represents an opportunity to buy a fresh, new, 1971 McLaren Can Am car and go full throttle historic racing. 

Give us a call, or send us an email.

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

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