Video: Martin Brundle drives a 1974 McLaren M23

In this clip Martin Brundle drives a 1974 McLaren M23 as part of Silverstone’s 60th Anniversary celebrations in 2008.

The McLaren M23 was designed by Gordon Coppuck, with input from John Barnard.  A Ford Cosworth DFV engine was used, with  horsepower output around 490 bhp.

It was introduced for the 1973 season, and scored pole position with Denny Hulme on its very first outing. Hulme and Peter Revson took three wins between them that season, while rookie Jody Scheckter nearly added a fourth.

Emerson Fittipaldi joined McLaren from Lotus in 1974. His knowledge of the Lotus 72 helped McLaren develop the M23 and that season Fittipaldi gave McLaren its first drivers’ and constructors’ world championships, beating Ferrari, Tyrrell and Lotus.

The M23 continual development helped it win 16 Grands Prix, one constructors and two drivers world championships.