While the future generation of car collectors and enthusiasts know McLaren for its involvement as a leader in supercar and hypercar manufacturing, old gearheads remember Bruce McLaren’s humble beginnings as a determined race car driver. Long before the F1, P1, and Senna, the first ever McLaren model was the M1A, which was produced in an ultra-limited series of only 24 chassis. On the newest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, McLaren’s VP of Marketing & Communications Andy Thomas visits Jay’s facility with a very special McLaren M1A.
Along with it being the very first McLaren ever produced, its accolades include a spirited role in the movie ‘Spin Out’ starring Elvis Presley. Walking around the early 60’s, open-top race car, both Andy and Jay agree that the M1A’s contemporary design still influences present and future cars through a focus on aerodynamics. Its lightweight DNA is shown through characteristics like magnesium wheels, aluminum bodywork, and a special tube frame that Bruce McLaren designed himself. Since the M1A has undergone various powertrain swaps, its current heartbeat comes from a Chevy 350 engine paired with a 5-speed manual ZF transmission.
Acquiring the car in 2010 because of his love for Elvis and collector cars, Austrian Mechanic and Restorer Egon Zweimuller joins Jay Leno for a spirited drive along a closed off airstrip guarded by law enforcement. During the milestone moment in the close quarters cabin, Egon explains to Jay that the red painted dollar sign next to the 6,000rpm mark was to resemble a fine that the movie team would pay if they over-revved the engine. All in all, the McLaren M1A represents automotive royalty and a historic moment in time that helped catapult the McLaren brand into what it has become today. View all McLaren supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
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Source: Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube