McLAREN TO SHOWCASE 50 YEARS OF RACING HERITAGE AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED
- Unprecedented collection of McLaren models to feature at
as part of the brand’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations
- Dynamic display to include some of the most significant McLaren models including championship winners from Formula 1™, Can-Am and Le Mans
- A number of new models will be shown for the first time as the McLaren P1™ makes its global dynamic debut
- Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez to join the celebrations
McLaren Automotive is proud to announce the ultimate model line-up for this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the brand’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations. Alongside the contemporary range of McLaren high performance sports cars, including the global debuts of a bespoke McLaren Special Operations (MSO) 12C, the McLaren 50 12C Spider and the groundbreaking McLaren P1™, will be a display of famous models from one of the most successful teams in motorsport.
The selection of cars embodies the technological expertise and race-winning heritage of the British brand, established by Bruce McLaren in 1963, and includes some of the most iconic cars from the past 50 years, including championship-winning models from Formula 1™, Can-Am and Le Mans. The collection will feature both as part of the dynamic displays, and form a static display at the McLaren House stand, located on Laundry Green, adjacent to the Supercar Paddock. The welcoming environment of McLaren House will play host to a range of interviews and activities, with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez making appearances over the course of the weekend.
The most successful name in Can-Am
McLaren claimed five back-to-back titles in the Can-Am championship between 1967 and 1971 making it the most successful team in the history of the championship, with Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Peter Revson all claiming the coveted title. In tribute to the team’s unrivalled success, McLaren will be running the 1970 championship-winning M8D of Denny Hulme up the Hill during the course of the weekend. In addition, Peter Revson’s title winning M8F from 1971 has been kindly loaned for the display by the Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, and will sit as part of the brand’s ‘McLaren House’ display.
12 Drivers’ and eight Constructors’ Formula 1™ championships
With Formula 1™ being at its core and foundation, McLaren will also be displaying a selection of legendary models that hugely contributed to the team’s success including the first and latest championship winning cars; the 1974 M23 of Emerson Fittipaldi and Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 MP4-23.
Additionally, McLaren will run the all-conquering MP4/4 of Ayrton Senna from 1988. This car saw Senna claim the first of his three World Championships with McLaren and, together with teammate Alain Prost, claimed victory in 15 out of the 16 races during the season.
Completing the dynamic Formula 1™ model line-up will be the MP4-13, in which Mika Häkkinen claimed the 1998 Driver’s and Constructor’s championships. This car also established an unbeaten 41.6 second record up the Goodwood Hill at the Festival of Speed in 1999 driven by Nick Heidfeld.
On static display will be the successor to the MP4-23 – the radically different MP4-24, which saw KERS technology fitted to a McLaren for the first time. Victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009 secured the car’s place in the history books as the first Grand Prix win for a KERS-equipped Formula 1™ car.
Le Mans heritage with the McLaren F1
Completing the championship-winning line-up will be the priceless McLaren F1 trio. The all-conquering McLaren F1 GTR chassis F1/01R which claimed a debut victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 will be joined by the one-off prototype of the McLaren F1 LM, famously built to honour the victory and five finishing cars at the French endurance event, and the Gulf-liveried McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ which claimed second place at Le Mans in 1997.
Global debut from MSO
The recently announced limited-edition McLaren 50 12C Spider will make its global debut at the Festival, celebrating five decades of race-winning heritage for the brand. Featuring a number of styling modifications including aerodynamically-optimised front bumper from MSO and bespoke wheels offering further visual appeal. MSO, the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects, will showcase the personalisation options and bespoke craftsmanship available with a unique 12C. Presented in ‘Papaya Spark’, a modern interpretation of the famous McLaren Orange, the model features a new MSO track pack, which includes a full colour-coded roll hoop, a lightweight pack with a host of carbon fibre upgrades and a range of new styling options.
The ultimate track car from McLaren GT
McLaren GT will complement the line-up of race and championship winners with the rawest and most powerful 12C built to date. The 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be thrilling the crowds as it takes part in the run up famous Hill course. The limited edition track-special pays tribute to the success of McLaren in the Can-Am championship and, not being subject to the regular racing regulations, is designed as the ‘ultimate track car’ from McLaren GT.
The confirmation of this definitive line-up follows the announcement that the McLaren P1™ will be making its long-awaited global dynamic debut at the Festival.
