Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 11 November 2015 | Page 58

EXECUTIVE DRIVE

58

650s C an- Am

As modern day interpretations of classics go, the 650S
Can-Am McLaren ticks all the right boxes. The limited
edition celebration vehicle is named after and in
honour of the 50th anniversary of the Can-Am series
or Canadian-American Challenge Cup that began in
Mont Tremblant in 1966.
It combines a mixture of functional design features
taken from the all-conquering models of yesteryear
with the lightest and most pioneering materials and
technologies available. A true test of engineering ability,
driving talent and bravery, and an invigorating battle
of power and speed, the Can-Am series attracted the
best drivers of its time. Drivers included Graham Hill,
John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and the young kiwi, Bruce
McLaren. McLaren became one of most successful
names in the sport and established the McLaren brand
as a world-beating force in the race, winning five
consecutive championships between 1967 and 1971
alone. Key to their success was the use of the latest

technologies and materials which McLaren Special
Operations (MSO) has replicated in the 650S Can-Am.
The British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance
sports cars has pioneered the use of carbon fibre
in vehicle production over the past 30 years. Since
introducing a carbon chassis into racing and road cars
with the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 and 1993 McLaren F1
respectively, they have not built a car without a carbon
fibre chassis.
Where lightweight materials such as aluminium and
mallite were used in the construction of the older
racers, the modern day celebration car features
extensive carbon fibre in the bonnet, airbrake, front
splitter, rear bumper centre, door blades and 650S
Can-Am branded sill cover, as well as the for the
first time, in the retractable hard top. Carbon fibre
naturally features extensively throughout the inside
too, with the standard sports seats upholstered with
leather and Alcantara®, while a further bespoke Can-