1970 McLaren Custom$310,000

• DESCRIPTION1970 McLaren M8C s/n 70-09 Black with Black Interior The Canadian American Challenge Cup series was a unique experiment in almost complete freedom of design. So often in motorsports strict limitations imposed, but in the case of Can Am, just about anything went. Engines could be any displacement or design, with forced induction, outlandish aerodynamic aids, and even four wheel drive permitted. The resulting cars were very wild, and very fast, faster than even the contemporary Formula One cars, in fact. McLaren's own efforts were very successful in the series, amassing more victories than any other manufacturer (43) by the time the series ended in 1974. Their tremendous success began with their first monocoque car, the M6A of 1967. This car evolved into the M8A with the addition of a big block motor for 1968, and the M8B and M8D with further refinements for 1969 and 1970 respectively. The M8C was the production version of the M8A factory car, which was sold to customers in 1970 while factory teams raced M8D's. This particular example was constructed for a Can-Am sister series scheduled to be run in Argentina which never came to fruition. It sat, unmolested, for many years before being rediscovered and brought back to the States. It is one of the few McLaren Can-Am cars that has never been in a major accident, and still features its original period Trojan tub. Featuring a 600 HP Chevrolet fuel injected 355 c.i. small block built by the Lazano brothers. The car has been completely sorted, safety tested, and race-prepped by Collins Racing. It has enjoyed consistent success in Vintage events including wins at Willow Springs & California Speedway. This car has proven to be the fastest small block Can-Am car on track at various historic racing venues. According to the McLaren by Trojan Verification Statement "this particular car returned from Argentina unraced, both cars still in component form as originally shipped. Returned from Argentina by Mr. Reilly then passed on to Mr. Howard Katz of New York." The current owner completed a considerable freshening work in 2012 and took the car out for a quick shakedown run prior to delivery at Fantasy Junction. According to the owner, the car pulled hard and strong, brakes stopped straight; engine idled smoothly and did not die once. With these gears, surprisingly, you could even drive it away from dead stop with just a little blip of the throttle. Coolant temp was very cool, even on a warm day. Cosmetically, the car presents its self very well. The aluminum wing and lower side panels are nicely polished. The front nose shows some small rock chips. The blue pin striping and numbered decals are in great condition. This Can-Am car is eligible in an increasing number of race events in Europe, as well as HRS, CSRG, SCCA Vintage Racing, General Racing events in North America. Accompanying the sale of this McLaren are 3 boxes containing gears, brake pads, early Hillborn Injection, belts, among other items which will likely prove helpful as track spares to the new custodian. Also accompanying this car are documents from 1998-2012 outlining work completed as well as events the car participated in.