McLaren M8E Can Am lands back down under

The Bruce and Denny show wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without their M6 and M8 McLarens. These beasts were the fastest of an insanely fast bunch, and they dominated the Can Am series between ’69 and ‘72. Forty years on and they’re amongst the fastest historics around.

Ecurie Investments has recently imported this fine example into Australia for a collector. Ecurie Investments state they are ” all about putting your money into buying the things that make you happy”, well you can be sure the owner is grinning from ear to ear with this one!

This 1971 M8E, one of just twelve customer cars, was originally raced by Vic Elford in the ’71 Can Am series. It found success then, putting him on the podium multiple times, and is completely fresh and ready to race again. It has been comprehensively restored, its original aluminium monocoque surrounded by bodywork matching the glorious yellow “American Racing Associates” livery run by Vic Elford in period.

Can Am cars are known for big power and this M8E is no exception. It runs an all-aluminium 496 Chevy Lucas that puts out just under 800 horses, more than one for each kilogram of car!

Although owned by a third party, the car will become part of the famous Bowden Collection and will be headed to selected events around Australia  for the fans to enjoy.

We can’t wait to see and hear it  monstering our local circuits!