Widescreen gallery: McLaren M1B

By Marcel Hundscheid / Speed-O-Graphica

Enjoy a few minutes with the McLaren M1B, one of the early Can-Am racers from the mid-60s, in this gallery brought to you by Marcel Hundscheid.

In September 1964 the McLaren M1 was introduced by Bruce McLaren. McLaren debuted the car at the Mosport Grand Prix where he finished third. The McLaren M1B was a development of the earlier M1A, designed by Robin Herd, Tyler Alexander and Michael Turner. Although the basic chassis of the M1B weighed the same, the car had a different nose and tail section.

The McLaren M1B appeared in 1965 and was meant to race in Group 7 and later the renowned Canadian American Challenge Cup. The M1B was originally built to house the 5.0 liter Traco Oldsmobile V8. Soon it became apparent that the heavier 6.1 liter Chevrolet V8 produced more horsepower. Besides the Chrevrolet V8, the  M1B could also be equipped with a Ford V8.

Trojan Cars from the UK manufactured 28 McLaren-Elva Mk.2s, all delivered to US buyers. The M1B gained some success in both 1965 and the maiden Can-Am championship in 1966 and was followed by the M1C in 1967.