Some cars don’t just age, they grow in legend. The 1966 McLaren M1B is one of those machines that makes your heart race even at a standstill. With its unmistakable Can-Am lines, track pedigree, and restoration by a motorsport icon, this isn’t just a vintage car, it’s a portal back to the wild, unfiltered era of motorsport.
A Racing Icon Built for the Brave
McLaren’s early years weren’t spent in glitzy showrooms, they were forged on racetracks. The M1B, an evolution of the original McLaren-Elva M1A, was the company’s weapon of choice for privateers chasing glory. Lightweight, aggressive, and engineered with pure racing intent, the M1B was built for performance, not pretense.
Just 28 customer-spec M1Bs were made for 1966, making each one a rare piece of motorsport history. This particular car raced across continents, evolving along the way, before being lovingly restored to its original form by legendary restorer Paul Lanzante.
Raw Power: Big Chevy V8 Punch
At its core, the 1966 McLaren M1B is all about performance. Under the rear deck sits a thunderous 5.0-liter Chevrolet V8, built by Chaparral, delivering relentless Can-Am power. Paired with a Hewland LG400 transaxle and a stiffened tubular frame, the M1B roars with intent every time you press the throttle.
The M1B was engineered to compete. Whether on narrow European circuits or the sweeping straights of North America, it delivered raw speed and unmatched agility.
From Track Star to Historic Racer
This car’s journey is as thrilling as its sound. It started life racing in the United States, then evolved into a Formula A single-seater. After returning to the UK in 1977, Ian Webb commissioned a full restoration by Paul Lanzante. It was rebuilt to its original 1966 specs, making it one of the few cars with both authentic roots and modern race prep quality.
Racing legends like John Foulston and Richard Knight pushed this McLaren to podiums across Europe, from Montlhéry to Paul Ricard. Its resume reads like a tour of motorsport’s most iconic circuits.
A Car with Global Provenance
The M1B passed through passionate hands, racers, collectors, and even corporate ownership by Mobil France. It was driven by rally icon Bernard Darniche and showcased at historic events. Today, it remains in running condition and awaits a full service before its next competitive outing.
Cars like this aren’t built anymore. And they rarely resurface in such complete and traceable condition.
Eligible for Today’s Top Historic Events
One of the best aspects of the McLaren M1B is its versatility. It’s eligible for prestigious events like the Goodwood Revival, Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and Masters Historic Racing series. With its balanced chassis and proven reliability, it delivers performance without the complexity or cost of monocoque rivals like the Lola T70.
If you’re looking for a car to actually race, not just admire, the M1B is ready to deliver.
Summary
The 1966 McLaren M1B isn’t just another vintage racer, it’s a living, breathing chapter of motorsport history. With its aggressive design, thunderous V8, and iconic restoration by Paul Lanzante, it stands as a symbol of McLaren’s early brilliance. Whether destined for your garage or the grid, this car promises one thing above all else: adrenaline.
Disclaimer: Vehicle is offered on a bill of sale only. It is advised to perform a full mechanical inspection before competitive use.
Source & Details: rmsothebys.com
