1970 Mclaren M8C Can-Am

The M8C example we are pleased to offer here is presented in excellent condition, having used only for exhibition runs recently. It is painted in a striking colour scheme of orange with yellow and green stripes.

The vehicle is painted in an orange colour with contrasting stripes on either side on the front and rear clamshell. Though this is not the original colour scheme in which the car raced in period, it suits this example very well. If the new owner wishes to do so, the vehicle could be easily returned to its original colour configuration. Having been sparingly used over recent years, the paint is in very good condition with only minor defects to be noted. One must not forget that this is a race car and that occasional stone chips are normal, and we hope plenty more will be added by the new owner, because this car belongs on the racetrack! The McLaren is fitted with Avon tires that would possibly need to be replaced before the vehicle can be raced. The car is obviously not street legal, so there is not much else to say, and we would advise you to consult our extensive picture gallery to get a better impression of this example’s condition.

The ‘inside’ of a Can-Am race car is a strong word, given that the cockpit is open and basically only features two seats and a dashboard. Like the exterior, the cockpit is in very good condition, having been cared for by its previous owners following its restoration. The seats are upholstered in black fake leather and the driver’s seat features a four-point harness. The passenger seat does not come with a harness, and if you consider taking a passenger for a ride, the addition of a seatbelt is highly recommended and also mandatory under international track rules. The dashboard is as spartan as it gets, with a total of six switches. Three different instruments give readings of water and oil temperature as well as fuel and oil pressure respectively. The 5-litre V8 engine is coupled to a manual gearbox, with apparent linkage running on the right side of the driver. Being a 1970s race car, the driver sits right next to the fuel tank, which is not the safest of configurations, but guarantees perfect weight distribution.

The M8C on offer is in overall mechanically excellent condition, having benefitted from regular service and recent attention. All the suspension has been carefully maintained and the assembly marks are still visible. All the supporting parts of the chassis and suspension are in as-new condition and perfectly clean. The engine does not show signs of leaks and the exhaust manifold is free of rust. The different radiators are almost new and not damaged, guaranteeing optimal cooling of oil and water. We advise you to have a close look at our extensive picture gallery or organize an in-person inspection of the vehicle by contacting our sales department or the seller directly.

The Motschenbacher M8C initially ran with race number '11' like the original M8B and Motschenbacher competed in two races in its first year, 1970: Laguna Seca in October where it retired, and at Riverside where it was placed 5th. The car was sold after the 1970 season to Charles Kemp of Mississippi, who raced it in five Can-Am races and also in SCCA events. After the 1971 Riverside race the McLaren was sold following damage to the left front wing, and late in 1971 was purchased by Bill Rhea of Los Angeles. In 1976 the car was sold to William L King, who kept it for 11 years, selling it to Harold Drinkwater in 1987. The McLaren was then imported into the UK for a rebuild. Undertaken by Jim Clark's former mechanic Cedric Selzer, the restoration was completed in October 1987 and the car was sold to Chris Beauvoisin. In April 1989 Beauvoisin sold the McLaren to a Swedish racing-driver owner. At the time of the latter's purchase the car was described thus: "The entire car is as new and in perfect condition as you can expect following a complete and professional restoration. Any parts that needed replacing have been replaced. You have in fact an as new monocoque built around the original bulkheads and to which has been attached the original uprights and such original suspension parts as were re-usable. The car has a new body, re-conditioned transmission and a freshly rebuilt (ex-Chaparral/Foulston) 5-litre full race Chevrolet engine. This work has been carried out by Racing Fabrications."

Today the car remains in 'as new' condition having been used only for occasional exhibition runs in Sweden over recent years. A guaranteed entry into historic sports car events and series worldwide, this rare McLaren Can-Am racer is offered with HSCC and FIA papers from 1989 confirming the ownership chain back to 1970. A large amount of period pictures can be found on the internet and will constitute a valuable addition to the car’s history file.

The McLaren M8C is a historically significant racing car that is highly competitive and will guarantee you entry into the most exciting motorsport events worldwide. One of only fifteen examples ever built, this M8C is a rare opportunity to acquire a remarkable piece of McLaren history. In near perfect condition and restored to a high level of quality, this example is ready to race. With Goodwood Revival just around the corner, this is a chance not to be missed.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Roth, Germany. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.