These days, the name McLaren often accompanies names like Ferrari and Lamborghini as a manufacturer of high-end supercars, but back in the early 1980s, the company wasn't making road cars. At that time, McLaren was primarily known for its racecars and turbocharged Ford-Cosworth engines which claimed victories in Formula 1, Can-Am, and the Indianapolis 500. So, when Ford decided to build a performance-oriented, turbocharged version of the Fox Body Mustang, they asked McLaren to work their magic on its engine. The result was known as the M81 McLaren Mustang, and only 10 prototypes were originally produced, making it one of the rarest Fox Body Mustangs of all time.
Above: The 1980 McLaren Mustang originally had a McLaren-built turbocharged 2.3L inline-four engine, tuned suspension, wide fenders, cooling vents and ducts, and a Papaya Orange paint scheme that was reminiscent of IMSA race cars. (Photo courtesy of Motor Trend)
McLaren Mustang Reimagined
While the original ten McLaren Mustangs are a very cool piece of history, the 175 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque produced by the boosted four-cylinder engine isn't especially exciting by today's standards. Those original cars were also priced at $25,000 — equivalent to roughly $100,000 today — which led Ford to scrap the project due to its high cost.
However, a handful of additional cars were available for dealers to special-order under Ford's DSO (Dealer Special Order) program, similar to Chevrolet's famous COPO program which led to 427ci Camaro variants back in the '60s. The red McLaren Mustang seen here is reportedly one of these DSO cars, delivered to a dealer as a kit and assembled on-site.
AutotopiaLA interviewed Derek, the owner of this car, who explained that he found it in "really bad shape" with a 5.0 V8 under the hood. Excited to build what he believes this car should have been, Derek gutted the Mustang and dropped in a new engine, suspension, interior, and much more.
This McLaren Mustang is powered by a 400-horsepower Blueprint Engines 347ci stroker V8 with Holley electronic fuel injection, BBK headers, and a custom X-pipe exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers. There's also a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6-speed transmission and an 8.8-inch rear end with 3.73 gears and limited-slip.
The car has been converted to 1994 Cobra brakes and 5-lug hubs that fit 18x10 and 18x11-inch Rotiform LHR wheels. It rides on a full Maximum Motorsports Max Grip suspension system and Eibach swaybars.
The interior features new door panels, a restored dash pad, and a period-correct shifter and Racemark wheel. The Recaro seats have been reupholstered with '80s-style gradient fabric.
Check out the video below from AutotopiaLA to see this car in action. It's a cool reimagining of what the McLaren Mustang could've been if it was built in a time without restrictive fuel shortages and emissions rules. Most importantly, it retains its '80s style and charm, which Derek says "screams David Lee Roth Van Halen era."
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