M8 McLaren Replica

Chris Ardern · 10-24-06, 12:49 AM

Thanks for the new catagory Ron,
Good timing. We just started working on our Group 7 Car. I was getting ready to start on it last spring when the deal for the 2D molds happened. That sent this project to the back burner. The FIA Coupe is far enough along to pick this back up. This body is from the VDS M8C that Teddy Pillette raced in the Interseries. It is unmolested and the production body will be the same. We're not quit sure what to do with the wing. We'll figure that out when it's time. One nice thing about this car is the fact that there's a lot of Kinsler Fuel injection units out there from Mercury Marine that can be had very reasonably. They look just like the McKay unit and are already set up for electronics. Good stuff.
Stay Tuned,
Chris
GT Reproductions

I LOVE GT40- Paolo · 10-24-06, 07:24 AM

dunno if helps or not (probably not and u have enough documentation).
I have in my shop a wonderful 1/18 scale model of bruce's M8b high wing.

If u need some pictures for your work I can provide some

hope this helps
paolo

Russ Noble · 10-24-06, 02:58 PM

I just love CanAm!

That will be an awesome car Chris.

Are all the CanAM/McLaren fans overseas aware of the Bruce McLaren Trust here in NZ? Their website Trust Welcome is worth a look and has a lot of info.

Cheers

Chris Ardern · 10-26-06, 11:52 PM

Thanks for the notes men,
I have a 1/24th scale model that I'm refering to a lot but thanks for the offer Paolo. I've been studying the Bruce McLaren trust website for years. I think that was one the first websites I found on the internet 5 or 6 years ago. What is it about what I call BRD McLaren (Before Ron Dennis) They were absolutely fasinating. I'll post progress as it happens. Thanks Russ

I LOVE GT40- Paolo · 10-27-06, 06:13 AM

Is that model u have for refernce the Accurate Miniatures M8b

?

The model is impressive in details:P:P

Paolo

Chris Ardern · 11-05-06, 01:37 AM

Yes it sure is.
Chris

kiwi ka · 11-12-06, 03:15 AM

I am 3/4 way thru building a semi replica of the Mclaren M8B on a tube frame chassis. I have a set of body moulds that came from a previous copy done in 1971. Whilst there are some errors, most people would not notice. I can send you some pictures.

Russ Noble · 12-03-06, 09:32 PM

I missed this posting earlier Russell.

Those molds would have to be from the Gemco Olds?

Whatever happened to that car? Last I heard, IIRC, Charlie Conway had stuffed a 2 litre into it for the SCANZ Championship back in the mid 70's! I see you're using Buick/Rover power with Webers. Interestingly the Gemco had Rover/Buick/Olds Traco power with, I think, 4 Webers similar to your setup. I shall always remember the terrific dices that Gary Pederson had with Graham Harvey in the Elfin. Can't remember which won the championship though.

Are you building your car from remnants of the Gemco?

Cheers

kiwi ka · 12-17-06, 03:09 AM

Hello Russell Yes the body copy is from the Gemco nose and Tail sections. I have made moulds up for the side pods and doors along with many changes to bring it more in line with the origional M8B.
I am building this car completly from scratch with a tube chassis. The remenants of the old Gemco are in Onehunga, including the mouldings. Basicly I hope to have it looking like the origional Mclaren. All going well there will be new moulds made of the body work.If you send me your email, I can send you some pictures.
Cheers

I LOVE GT40- Paolo · 12-17-06, 06:51 AM

resting in the shop..I finally found the time to post some pictures of my M8.
The car is Danny Hulme high wing version...for the pictures I didnt mount the rear wing.

Hope this helps

Paolo

Peter D · 12-17-06, 07:19 AM

Paolo, what an exquisite work of art - well done !!

Kind Regards,

Peter D.

Dick Bear · 12-20-06, 12:10 PM

Hello Men,

Just found this site being told of it by a friend.

Great looking car Chris!

I too have been facinated with the M8B since I first saw Bruce race at Bridgehampton long ago. A little over a year ago I began my build not to duplicate but accommodate the M8B into my own legal 2-passenger. I've been learning the craft of metal shaping and therefore went with trying to reproduce the car in aluminum. Unable to to afford a v8 I chose the ease and reliability of a Honda Vtech si 2.0. At its' estimated weight of 1200# it has all the get up and go I need for now.

If you are interested you can read about my year long project at:

metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4020

I used the same model that Paolo suggested as one of my references. It truely is a small world!

Dick Bear

I LOVE GT40- Paolo · 12-21-06, 08:11 PM

Dick,
the car u made is simply incredible, is really a DREAM, not a car.
If only Ugo Zagato can see that (foundator of Zagato design...he and his son Elio made in that aluminium some of the nicest Ferrari and Lancia ever seen..)he will return to life in a while to meet u.
Simply incredible, and wonderful website with too nice pictures of the work in progress.

Paolo

Dick Bear · 12-22-06, 02:19 AM

Thanks for the kind words Paolo.

I was taught at a very young age to accept compliments graciously and to not minimize them when honestly given. It is beyond the limits however to use the Zagato name even in the most subtle reference to the McBearen.

I'm glad you like my effort and appreciate your compliment but I can assure you that the level of craftsmanship in my attempt to build a modified McLaren M8B looks likes like a rank novices' attempt next to one of Zagato's rejects.

If however, Ugo does appear in your town anytime soon please let me know.... I'd love to meet him!

Thanks again,

Dick Bear

www.marketpointproductions.com

Dick Bear · 05-04-07, 10:38 AM

Hey Friends,

Here is a link to the most recent McBearen photos. Only a few items left to do before I can say it is complete.

http://metalmeet.com/forum/showthrea...t=3618&page=56

Dick Bear

I LOVE GT40- Paolo · 05-04-07, 07:51 PM

Simply wonderful.

bravissimo Dick!

Dick Bear · 05-09-07, 05:07 AM

Here is a side view with graphics of the nearly completed, hand shaped aluminum panel McBearen.

Dick Bear

Chris Kouba · 05-09-07, 05:21 AM

Wow Dick. Looks fantastic, but it's almost a shame to have painted over that gorgeous, hand-beaten alu body...

Duncan Potter · 05-09-07, 01:06 PM

Awesome accomplishment. Kudos!

BIG D 51 · 10-09-07, 02:28 AM

Paolo,
You have a wonderful model of Denny Hulme's ride. All these replicas are a true testament to Bruce McLaren's legacy.
Does anyone know where I can find a 1/24th scale, or larger, kit of a McLaren M6A? I know that several have been produced over the years, however, now they are as scarce as hens teeth and worth their weight in gold, no, platinum.