Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 McLaren M8C
s/n 70-09
Black with Black Interior

The Canadian American Challenge Cup series was a unique experiment in almost complete freedom of design. So often in motorsports strict limitations imposed, but in the case of Can Am, just about anything went. Engines could be any displacement or design, with forced induction, outlandish aerodynamic aids, and even four wheel drive permitted. The resulting cars were very wild, and very fast, faster than even the contemporary Formula One cars, in fact.

McLaren’s own efforts were very successful in the series, amassing more victories than any other manufacturer (43) by the time the series ended in 1974. Their tremendous success began with their first monocoque car, the M6A of 1967. This car evolved into the M8A with the addition of a big block motor for 1968, and the M8B and M8D with further refinements for 1969 and 1970 respectively. The M8C was the production version of the M8A factory car, which was sold to customers in 1970 while factory teams raced M8D’s.

This particular example was constructed for a Can-Am sister series scheduled to be run in Argentina which never came to fruition. It sat, unmolested, for many years before being rediscovered unused and in a largely complete state, and brought back to the States. According to the McLaren by Trojan Verification Statement, “this particular car returned from Argentina unraced, both cars still in component form as originally shipped. Returned from Argentina by Mr. Reilly then passed on to Mr. Howard Katz of New York.” It is one of the few McLaren Can-Am cars that has never been in a major accident, and still features its original period Trojan tub. s/n 70-09 is equipped with a 600 HP Chevrolet fuel injected 355 c.i. small block built by the Lozano Brothers, and more recently freshened by Tom Crowther.

Under the previous ownership, the car had been completely sorted, safety tested, and race-prepped by Collins Racing. It had enjoyed consistent success in Vintage events including wins at Willow Springs & California Speedway. More recently, in 2014, this car qualified on pole and won convincingly at the Sonoma Historics, and qualified on front row at the Monterey Historic Reunion, en route to a 2nd place finish (top finishing McLaren). We can say with absolute first hand authority that this example is easy to drive, front running car, which handles predictably, and is very thoroughly sorted. s/n 70-09 has consistently proven to be the fastest small block Can-Am car in North America, and has enjoyed professional race support and regular maintenance by McLaren Can-Am expert Tony Nicholson at Robin Automotive.


Cosmetically, the car presents its self very well. The aluminum wing and lower side panels are nicely polished. The front nose shows some small rock chips in keeping with normal track use. The blue pin striping and numbered decals are in great condition.

This McLaren M8C has a genuine chassis, uncontested serial number, and is eligible in an increasing number of race events in Europe, as well as HRS, CSRG, SCCA Vintage Racing, and General Racing events in North America. Accompanying the sale of this McLaren are 3 boxes containing gears, brake pads, early Hillborn injection, and belts, among other items which will likely prove helpful as track spares to the new custodian. Also accompanying this car are documents from 1998-2014 outlining work completed as well as events the car participated in.

If you want to run at the front of the Historic Can-Am grid, this is a prime opportunity.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608