1965 Ex Bruce McLaren Racing MGB Roadster – Project Profile

We’ve talked about the MGB before, multiple times and at length, which just goes to show how enduringly and indeed endearingly popular these cars are, not just with us but with the classic community as a whole. The quintessential British sports car for many the MGB has a lot going for it, but don’t just take our word for it. Paul Cowland is very much in our corner when it comes to the MGB, as this video firmly demonstrates, so we’re always happy to highlight any stunners, unique examples or those, like this ex Bruce McLaren Racing car, that have a certain provenance.

And provenance, at least in the classic car world, doesn’t come much better than a high profile racing connection. For most, Bruce McLaren needs little introduction but for those not au fait with this legend of motorsport let us briefly enlighten you. A New Zealand native, McLaren is likely best known as the founder of McLaren Racing, the second oldest active Formula One team and the second most successful constructor of all time, just behind Ferrari. Accolades indeed.

McLaren was introduced to motor racing at an early age, beginning in his early teens and quickly rising through ranks thanks to huge wads of natural talent behind the wheel and it wasn’t long before he began driving in Formula One, winning his first Grand Prix in 1959 at just 22 years of age! See what we mean about natural talent? Fast forward four yeas and Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd is born. It would be a further five years until the team’s first F1 win in ’68 but by this point McLaren’s trophy room was already pretty well stocked. From dominating the legendary Can-Am series to that oh so famous GT40 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in ’66 he was n stranger to silverware.

Although known as a skilled driver, McLaren was also an accomplished designer, engineer and manager and his legacy lives on in the McLaren racing team as well as in every single McLaren road car. Sadly McLaren was killed testing a new Can-Am car at Goodwood. He was just 32 years old but in his own words: “life is measured in achievement, not in years alone” and boy did he achieve.

And it’s the connection to this icon of the of automotive world that makes this particular MGB so very special because it was first registered in July 1965 to McLaren Motor Racing.

What is it? 

Of genuine historic interest this 1965 MGB Roadster, complete with removable hard top, was bought new by McLaren Motor Racing Ltd, as evidenced by the car’s original registration document and is said to have been used regularly by Bruce McLaren himself. With just two owners in total the car has recently undergone an extensive, high end restoration work, including a full respray in original and rare Chelsea Grey.

Why is it a project? 

Although the bodywork and underside have been transformed there is still a bit to do to get this important MG back on the road or track where it belongs. Supplied with a huge assortment of the original parts, including engine, gearbox and seats, the vendor claims that the car is 95% original, all that’s left to do is bolt the thing back together.

What should you look for? 

If you’re serious about bidding, and frankly why wouldn’t you be, then we would urge you to have a read of our ‘Five Things‘ buyer’s guide on the MGB which will get you up to speed on the common issues to look out for but seeing as this car is pat way through a restoration it may be more pertinent to find out just exactly what parts are included and what is still left to source. With such great support for these cars though, that shouldn’t be a hindrance.

What should you do with it? 

Come on now. A clean slate ex McLaren Racing MGB? This car of course needs to be built into a fully FIA accredited race car. With the drivetrain and interior yet to be fitted it’s the perfect canvas with which to Honour Bruce McClaren and continue the legacy that he began way back in the ’60s. This genuine and desirable Series 1 Roadster deserves to be used in anger and with a huge chunk of the work already completed it’s now time to do just that. Get it bought, get it built and get it racing.