McLaren 720S Spa ’68 Collection

The numerous wins of the Formula 1 racing team of McLaren are known to nearly every fan today, even while the last few years were spent at the bottom of the table. Especially in the 1980s and the late 90s, drivers like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, David Coulthard and Mika Häkkinen took the podium as if they had a badge. But also Emerson Fittipaldi, John Watson, Peter Revson, Denis Hulme, James Hunt, Jochen Mass, Niki Lauda, Gerhard Berger, Juan Pablo Montoya, Heikki Kovalainen, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen and even the company founder Bruce McLaren crossed the finish line first in a McLaren. That win by Bruce McLaren was also the first-ever success for his team. He won the 1968 Grand Prix of Belgium at the then still 14.1 kilometers long racetrack of Spa-Francorchamps unexpectedly, as Jackie Stewart led the race with about half-a-minute by the beginning of the last lap. But he ran out of fuel and only managed to roll to the finish in fourth position. Only when he climbed out of his car after the race, Bruce McLaren learned that he actually won the race.

This maiden F1 victory is now taken as inspiration for a limited edition of three cars of the 720S, ordered by Belgian McLaren dealer Ginion from Brussels at the MSO department (McLaren Special Operations). Based on the distinctive Papaya Orange of Bruce McLaren’s M7A from 1968, they created the exclusive new color ‘MSO Bespoke Anniversary Orange’. In front of the rear wheels, there is the silver outline of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in its old configuration, which covers only a few areas with today’s Grand Prix Circuit. Matte black rims and black offset roof arcs provide visual contrasts.

Inside the silhouette of Spa 1968 with corresponding letters is embroidered into the headrests of the sports seats. These and the middle tunnel and dashboard are covered in black Alcantara with orange stitchings. On the bare carbon inner sills an imprint refers to the special model: ‘1st McLaren Victory – Belgian Grand Prix – 9th June 1968 – Driver: Bruce McLaren’. The keys to the vehicle also bear the reference ‘Spa 1968’ on the paint in Anniversary Orange. There is also a metal plaque inside the car with ‘Spa ’68 Collection – 1 of 3’ engraved on it.

Two of the three copies of the McLaren 720S Spa ’68 Collection were already sold even before the press release. The third car may be still available at McLaren Brussels. In any case, one of them might be shown at the ‘Dreamcars Salon’ during Brussels Motor Show from 19 to 27 January 2019.

Images: McLaren