Celebratory McLaren 650S Can-Am unveiled

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Canadian-American Challenge Cup race series. Known as Can-Am for short, it was run according to the very liberal ‘Group 7’ sports car regulations which didn’t restrict engine size, materials or aerodynamics.

Unsurprisingly, such a lenient set of rules produced some fairly outrageous cars. A nascent McLaren team emerged as a dominant force in the early years, winning five consecutive championship titles between 1967 and 1971 (with Bruce McLaren himself the victorious driver for two of them).

So it’s fitting that McLaren Special Operations has developed the commemorative 650S Can-Am, a road-going special edition based on the current 641 bhp (478 kW / 650 PS) 650S Spider.

McLaren 650S Can-Am (2016) Rear Side and McLaren M1B (1966) Front Side

Customers will have a choice of three evocative colour schemes. Mars Red recalls the M1B raced by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, Papaya Spark is a metallic interpretation of McLaren Orange, and Onyx Black represents the plain shade that most customer cars were supplied in.

The modifications aren’t limited to the paintwork, though. Other unique features include a carbon fibre retractable roof, louvered carbon fibre front wings and a stainless steel exhaust system with four prominent tailpipes.

Further adding to the visual impact are the lightweight forged alloy wheels. Held in place by titanium bolts and shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, they combine gloss black spokes with diamond-cut rims. Behind them sit carbon-ceramic brake discs and black calipers.

Just fifty examples of the 650S Can-Am are going to be produced. In the UK, prices start from £255,850.

McLaren 650S Can-Am (2016) Front SideMcLaren 650S Can-Am (2016) Driver's Door Plaque

McLaren 650S Can-Am (2016) InteriorMcLaren 650S Can-Am (2016) Rear Side

Related posts:
McLaren 540C Coupé launched
McLaren 570S Coupé unveiled
2014 McLaren 650S first view

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