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The McLaren M8E Can-Am cars were McLaren 'customer cars', constructed by Trojan Ltd. for McLaren. This particular McLaren, chassis number 80-01, was originally purchased by Alain de Cadenet's Ecurie Evergreen Team. It was driven by Chris Craft in the European-based Interserie events from 1970 through 1973. Craft captured first place at Norisring and second place at Imola.
The McLaren #80-01 next made its way to the United States where it wound up in the capable hands of Warren Tope. With Tope behind the wheel, this M8E claimed the SCCA 1974 National Championship. In 1975 Tope crashed the car at the Pontiac, MI road race. The car was subsequently sold and repaired.
In 1984 the M8E returned to the track to run in vintage car races at Palm Beach, FL. In 1984 the #80-01 passed to a new owner and received a complete, ground-up restoration. Beginning in 1988 the M8E ran at various vintage racing events across the country, including such tracks as Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Road Atlanta, Seattle, and Portland.
In 2005 the current owner purchased this McLaren M8E Can-Am Chassis #80-01.
The car has been raced by such drivers as Chris Craft, Bob Brown, Bob Lazier, and Warren Tope at such venues as Imola, Norisring, Mid-Ohio, Brainerd, Edmonton, Monterey, Elkhart Lake, and Atlanta. The current owner now drives this car at various vintage race events across the U.S.
The car is fitted with a Donovan aluminum engine block with a forged steel crank and Camillo rods. It also has J & E pistons, and a roller cam with a Milodon gear drive. The engine is fed by a Lucas McKay mechanical injection system prepared by Kinsler. Ignition is a Vertex Scintilla magneto with a McKay right-angle drive. The engine is lubricated via a dry sump system with an Ed Pink four-stage pump. It has a Hewland LG-500 4-speed gearbox and the power from the Chevy is driven through a Borg & Beck triple disc clutch. Braking is delivered through Lockheed twin pot calipers and ventilated discs front and rear. The shocks are double-adjusted Konis. The wheels are 11-15' front and 16-15' rear Magnesium alloy McLaren wheels.
The McLaren #80-01 next made its way to the United States where it wound up in the capable hands of Warren Tope. With Tope behind the wheel, this M8E claimed the SCCA 1974 National Championship. In 1975 Tope crashed the car at the Pontiac, MI road race. The car was subsequently sold and repaired.
In 1984 the M8E returned to the track to run in vintage car races at Palm Beach, FL. In 1984 the #80-01 passed to a new owner and received a complete, ground-up restoration. Beginning in 1988 the M8E ran at various vintage racing events across the country, including such tracks as Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Road Atlanta, Seattle, and Portland.
In 2005 the current owner purchased this McLaren M8E Can-Am Chassis #80-01.
The car has been raced by such drivers as Chris Craft, Bob Brown, Bob Lazier, and Warren Tope at such venues as Imola, Norisring, Mid-Ohio, Brainerd, Edmonton, Monterey, Elkhart Lake, and Atlanta. The current owner now drives this car at various vintage race events across the U.S.
The car is fitted with a Donovan aluminum engine block with a forged steel crank and Camillo rods. It also has J & E pistons, and a roller cam with a Milodon gear drive. The engine is fed by a Lucas McKay mechanical injection system prepared by Kinsler. Ignition is a Vertex Scintilla magneto with a McKay right-angle drive. The engine is lubricated via a dry sump system with an Ed Pink four-stage pump. It has a Hewland LG-500 4-speed gearbox and the power from the Chevy is driven through a Borg & Beck triple disc clutch. Braking is delivered through Lockheed twin pot calipers and ventilated discs front and rear. The shocks are double-adjusted Konis. The wheels are 11-15' front and 16-15' rear Magnesium alloy McLaren wheels.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
Recent Sales of the McLaren M8E
(Data based on Model Year 1971 sales)
McLaren M8Es That Failed To Sell At Auction
1971 McLaren M8E's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 McLaren M8E Can Am | 2013 Mecum Auctions Monterey | $160,000 | $175,000 | $225,000 | |
| 1971 McLaren M8E Can-Am Fully Restored with Original M8 Tub | 2012 Mecum Monterey, CA | $135,000 | |||
| 1971 McLaren M8E Race Car | 80-04 | 2011 Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction 24th Year | $310,000 |
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