Automotive
McLaren is bringing one of its most meaningful “what could have been” stories back to life at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. McLaren Special Operations has faithfully reconstructed the M6GT, the road-going supercar Bruce McLaren hoped to build before his untimely death. Long before the legendary McLaren F1 arrived in 1992, the M6GT represented the company’s first serious attempt to move from pure racing machines into the world of high-performance road cars.
The M6GT story began in the late 1960s, when McLaren looked to turn its M6A prototype racer into a closed-roof machine that could satisfy Group 4 racing requirements while also forming the basis for a road-going supercar. Bruce McLaren was said to be especially fond of driving the prototype, and the project eventually involved British manufacturer Trojan as part of the plan to bring the car to life. Sadly, Bruce’s death during testing in 1970 halted the effort before it could grow beyond a small number of prototypes.
This newly reconstructed M6GT was built by McLaren Special Operations using original body molds, archival reference material, restored period parts, and newly fabricated components. The project started with a chassis from an M6A race car, giving the build the right foundation. MSO then used original molds discovered in the United Kingdom, including molds that had reportedly been modified during the period, suggesting the M6GT design was still evolving when the program came to an end.
Mechanically, the car stays true to the era. It uses a period-correct small-block Chevrolet V8 paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, a combination that speaks to the raw, lightweight simplicity of late-1960s racing engineering. MSO also hand-fabricated the roll hoop, rear frame-support structure, internal reinforcement for the clamshell bodywork, and wiring harness, while the original M6GT suspension was carefully restored and rebuilt.
The details inside and out are just as thoughtful. The cabin features custom green vinyl seats and a hand-turned walnut gear knob, giving the car a simple but rich period feel. The exterior is finished in a custom color called Colnbrook White, named in tribute to the factory where Bruce McLaren developed his road-car vision. The white-over-green theme also nods to the 1966 McLaren M2B Formula 1 car, connecting this reconstruction to the earliest days of McLaren’s grand racing ambitions.
The rebuilt M6GT will be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed alongside other McLaren legends and modern performance machines. It will share the spotlight with cars like the M8A Can-Am racer, the new W1 halo car, and the MCL-HY prototype aimed at future Le Mans glory. For McLaren, though, the M6GT may be the most emotional piece on the stand. It is not just a restored classic or a showpiece. It is a carefully rebuilt tribute to the road-car dream Bruce McLaren never got to finish.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
