A Tribute to the Founder

At the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 9, McLaren will showcase a project that breaks away from the modern trend of high-tech hypercars. Instead, the team at McLaren Special Operations (MSO) delved deep into the brand's archives to resurrect an authentic vision from Bruce McLaren himself: a road-going supercar designed decades ago.


Dubbed the M6GT, this unique vehicle is a meticulously crafted homage to the company's founder. Rather than a modern reinterpretation, the MSO team focused on creating a machine that is entirely period-correct, utilizing original molds and engineering specifications to bring the dream to life as it would have existed during that era.


Authentic Engineering and Construction

The foundation of the build is a chassis sourced from a period-accurate McLaren M6A Can-Am race car. In keeping with the commitment to historical accuracy, the construction team utilized materials referenced in the original documents. The commitment to detail extended even to the assembly process:

  • Original molds were recovered and used to shape the bodywork.
  • Aerospace specialists were brought in to install the traditional closed-dome aluminum rivets.
  • The overall silhouette features the low-slung, mid-engine stance and sweeping fenders characteristic of 1960s sports cars.

Traditional Power and Interior

Beneath the glass rear decklid lies a traditional powertrain that echoes the performance standards of the time. While exact technical specifications remain limited, the company confirms that the small-block V8 features the classic "camel hump" cylinder heads and produces in excess of 400 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with a period-correct manual transmission, highlighted by a shift knob hand-turned from solid walnut.


The interior continues the vintage aesthetic, featuring traditional Jaeger gauges and a minimalist three-spoke steering wheel set against green upholstery. As noted by industry observers, the cockpit is designed to evoke a nostalgic experience for purists.


The Kiwi Heritage

Perhaps the most charming detail of the project is the inclusion of the vintage-style McLaren badge. It features the iconic kiwi bird emblem, a direct nod to Bruce McLaren’s New Zealand heritage. This thoughtful touch serves as a poignant reminder of the company's humble beginnings and the creative spirit that launched one of the world's most famous automotive marques.