1972 McRae GM1

History

Graham McRae of New Zealand was the Tasman Series Champion three years in a row, from 1971 to 1973, and the United States Formula 5000 (F5000) Champion in 1972 after winning three races. He won the title again in 1978 in the CAMS Gold Star Championship.

In 1973, McRae competed in Formula One. His sole outing was at the 1973 British Grand Prix on July 14th of 1973, where he retired in the first lap. Also that year, he raced at the Indianapolis 500 where he placed in the 16th position and was crowned with 'Rookie of the Year' honors.

In 1972, McRae teamed with Malcolm Bridgeland of Malaya Garage, and with designer Len Terry to construct a new F5000 car. The completed car was originally dubbed the Leda LT27, but when McRae and John Heynes (an insurance broker from London) bought out Bridgeland and established McRae Cars Ltd, the name was changed to the GM1.

In total, there were 14 examples of the GM1 created.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009