Introduction
The 1968 McLaren M6B was a race car designed and built by the McLaren Racing team. Developed for both the Can-Am and USAC/Indy Car championships, the M6B was an important milestone for the McLaren team, who had limited success in their previous series. The car was powered by a 5.0-litre Chevrolet V8 engine, and featured a lightweight chassis and body panels made from aluminum and magnesium. The M6B would go on to become one of the most successful race cars of the era, winning multiple championships and setting numerous records.
Design
Chassis
The McLaren M6B was built around a lightweight tubular space frame chassis. This was constructed using light-gauge steel tubing, and was designed to provide maximum stiffness and torsional rigidity. The chassis was designed to be as light as possible, and featured a number of weight saving measures, such as the use of aluminum and magnesium for the body panels.
Suspension
The M6B was equipped with a double wishbone suspension system, with coil springs and dampers at each corner. This was designed to provide maximum grip and stability when cornering at high speeds. The suspension was also adjustable, allowing drivers to tailor the setup of the car to their driving style.
Engine
The M6B was powered by a 5.0-litre Chevrolet V8 engine. This engine was tuned to produce up to 500 horsepower, which was enough to propel the car to a top speed of over 200 mph. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which was designed to provide smooth and reliable shifting.
Brakes
The M6B was fitted with ventilated disc brakes at each corner, which provided plenty of stopping power. The brakes were designed to be fade-resistant, meaning that they could withstand the rigours of racing for extended periods of time.
Interior
The interior of the M6B was sparsely appointed, with a minimalist dashboard and only the essential controls and gauges. The steering wheel was mounted on a single column, and the seats were lightweight racing buckets.
Aerodynamics
The M6B featured a number of aerodynamic features, such as the distinctive longtail rear spoiler, which helped to provide downforce at high speeds. The car also featured large ducts in the front and rear of the car, which helped to reduce drag and improve airflow.
Racing Success
The M6B was a successful race car, winning multiple championships in the USAC and Can-Am series. The car also set a number of lap records, and was driven by some of the best drivers of the era, including Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Peter Revson.
Legacy
The M6B was a highly successful race car, and its legacy lives on to this day. The car is remembered fondly by racing fans, and is seen as a milestone in the history of McLaren.
