The McLaren CanAm cars (M6 and M8) dominated the CanAm championship in 68-69-70 thanks to the genius of Bruce McLaren and the power and reliability of their Chevrolet V8 engines. The McLaren M8s have since become icons of motorsport. As early as 1973, two American brothers, both motorsport fans, decided to market their vision of the McLaren M8 for the road. Their company "Manta Cars" developed a Mclaren M8 nicknamed "Mirage". As with the original version, this reincarnation of the legendary McLaren was naturally powered by a Chevrolet V8. In 1974 the original "60 seconds" film featured the M8 replica.
Our 1978 McLaren Replica has just undergone a very important restoration in the USA, with a recent complete paint job. The Chevrolet V8 engine (350 CI), with an estimated power of 425 to 450 HP, is coupled to a G86.20 6-speed gearbox.
This is a rare car, only 3 examples are known to exist in France and less than 10 in Europe.
The car is perfectly road legal with a collector's registration.
Chassis & suspensions :
Manta tubular chassis
Front suspension based on VW type elements (Karman Ghia) with torsion bar
Rear axles based on Chevrolet type elements
Front brakes : Karman Ghia type discs signed wilwood NEW
Rear brakes : Chevrolet type discs
Rear shock absorbers: Ridetech threaded combination type NEW
17" aluminum wheels in two parts signed Compomotive
Tires: New TOYO PROXES R888 - Front 245/45/17 Rear 315/35/17
Engine :
Chevrolet V8 engine rebuilt Small Block 35O, 4 bolts with rear spy seal "one seal" technology
New mobile equipment:
Forged Eagle connecting rods
Vilo stroker forged SCAT: couse 3.75 = 383ci /6,2liTres
Hypereuteclic Sealed Power pistons: "generous" volumetric ratio of 10.8 to 1
Alu cylinder heads (2,O2 / 1,,60 | Racing Performance Company
Dual plane" aluminum intake pipe with black epoxy finish Rocing Performonce Compony
Hydraulic Roller camshaft signed TriclFlow : durations 23O "1234" lifted .538" / .539" (optimal power range between 2800 rpm and 6300 rpm)
Double roller tipper
Estimated motor power : 425-445hp at 63000 rpm
Electronic igniter + MSD spark arrestor
Chrome plated cylinder head covers : high version accepting high camshaft and roller rockers
Performance air filter with K&N type filter element
Aluminum engine radiator with electric fan NEW
New engine oil cooler equipped with a thermo-controlled electric fan
4 body aluminum carburetor, HP series Street version, 750 CFM Holley
Aluminum engine pulleys machined in the mass
New aluminum water pump
New chrome alternator NEW
Many X-rayed engine screws signed ARP
4 in l- exhaust manifolds sandblasted and ceramic treated + new silencer
Transmission :
Chevrolet type independent rear suspension
Mechanical transaxle G86-20 type (Porsche)
New steering wheel and clutch
Exterior :
Fiberglass shell
Canopy equipped with removable "butterfly" doors
Low doors with opening in élytre and remote control
New "McLaren Orange" paint (papaya color)
Vintage racer decoration with logo stickers
Interior:
Black interior color NEW
New black carpeting
New aluminum instrumentation with white background by Auto meter
Black leather 3-spoke steering wheel
Steering wheel with retractable hub for easy access
Harness type safety belts