McLaren has taken another decisive step in its return to the pinnacle of endurance racing, presenting its Project: Endurance customer Le Mans Hypercar to North American audiences for the first time during the illustrious Monterey Car Week. The reveal, hosted at a private event attended by depositors, prospective buyers, and enthusiasts of the brand, was led by McLaren Group Holdings CEO Nick Collins and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, with celebrated racing driver Justin Bell – third-place finisher at Le Mans in 1995 with the McLaren F1 GTR – serving as host.
The unveiling introduced a striking new livery that pays homage to a defining moment in McLaren’s motorsport history: the marque’s maiden Triple Crown triumph at the 1974 Indianapolis 500. That race was won by Texan driver Johnny Rutherford in the McLaren M16, earning the team the first of its three legendary victories across the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and Le Mans 24 Hours.
A Tribute to McLaren’s American Legacy
The livery of Project: Endurance celebrates this milestone with a modern interpretation of Rutherford’s “Lone Star JR” heritage. Cloaked in McLaren Orange, the hypercar features a bold dark blue centre stripe inspired by the Texas state flag, with the cockpit roof adorned by the iconic white lone star. Completing the tribute, the car carries Rutherford’s race number 3 alongside McLaren’s storied Speedy Kiwi and Speedmark logos – a visual reminder of the brand’s transatlantic racing legacy.
“The opportunity to be one of only a few to own this Le Mans Hypercar and be directly involved in the development and testing program is a very special proposition,” said Nick Collins. “We’re looking forward to showcasing Project: Endurance, with a livery tied specifically to our motorsports heritage in the US, to Americas customers and prospects throughout August.”
A New Era of the Triple Crown
First unveiled in June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the hypercar is set to make its competitive debut in the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship. McLaren has set its sights on a bold ambition: to achieve motorsport’s coveted Triple Crown in a single season. Having already secured each of the three titles individually – the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the manufacturer now seeks to unify them under one campaign.
Ownership at the Pinnacle of Motorsport
Project: Endurance is far more than a limited production run. It offers an unprecedented opportunity for a handful of customers to immerse themselves in the inner workings of McLaren’s endurance program. Each owner will gain privileged access to the McLaren United Autosports WEC team, drivers, and development processes, ensuring they are not only purchasing an extraordinary hypercar but also joining a rarefied motorsport circle.
Ownership includes a two-year McLaren customer track program, taking place at some of the world’s most celebrated racing venues. Under the guidance of professional racing drivers, customers will receive coaching supported by dedicated pit crews and race engineers, enabling them to hone their craft and experience the hypercar at its full potential.
Across the Americas
Following its debut at Monterey Car Week, Project: Endurance will continue its tour across the United States, with showcases scheduled in Dallas and Miami throughout August. These events promise to give enthusiasts and prospective owners a closer look at one of the most exclusive opportunities in motorsport today.
