McLaren MP4-12C Can Am

The McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is derived from the GT3 MP4-12C, but equipped with more aggressive aerodynamics and increased power. These enhancements were designed to showcase the MP4’s potential as a pure track car, though they rendered it ineligible for FIA GT competition.

Our client purchased the car new, never intending to run it as a full-season or championship contender. Instead, it was meant to be a standout piece in his collection—something special to bring out for select track events or invitation races. In 2013, given the car’s unique specifications, he chose to enter it as an invitational entry at Zandvoort in the Dutch SuperCar Challenge. The car completed two races, qualifying an impressive P3 overall in a highly competitive field. It was on course for a P2 finish before being hampered by the erratic driving of other competitors.

Chassis 01 remained unused for the next eight years, not turning a wheel again until 2021. That year, we recommissioned it after the Brabham BT62 we were campaigning in the British GT Cup suffered the first of several engine failures, leaving us in need of a backup car. The Can-Am returned to action at Donington Park in September 2021, finishing P3 in class and P9 overall in race one, followed by a P5 overall in race two. It was an exceptional performance by driver Paul Bailey, who had not driven the car since 2013—nor had he even tested it at Donington.

The Can-Am ultimately completed the remainder of the GT Cup Championship in place of the Brabham, helping Paul secure the GTO class championship title that year.

The McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is a rare and exclusive track-focused supercar designed to showcase McLaren’s racing heritage and engineering excellence. Unveiled as a concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this car pays tribute to McLaren’s Can-Am racing success in the 1960s and 1970s.

This particular car is Chassis 01, The first customer built MP4-12C Can-Am car of only 3 ever supplied, and the only one believed to be in its original Can-Am spec.

At the heart of the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition lies a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Tuned specifically for track use, it delivers an impressive 630 horsepower, making it the most powerful version of the MP4-12C. The enhanced engine calibration, combined with optimised cooling systems, ensures consistent performance during high-demand track sessions.

The car’s lightweight carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis forms the foundation of its remarkable performance. Weighing in at approximately 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs), the Can-Am Edition is built to prioritise speed, agility, and precision.

Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the design of the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition. The car features a carbon-fiber front splitter, dive planes, and a large fixed rear wing. These enhancements generate up to 30% more downforce than the standard MP4-12C, ensuring superior stability and grip at high speeds.

The Can-Am Edition is equipped with racing-specific components, including forged lightweight alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli racing slick tires. Its braking system, developed by Akebono, provides exceptional stopping power, essential for the demands of circuit driving.

Inside, the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition offers a race-ready cockpit. Two lightweight black racing seats with six-point harnesses and a full race-specification roll cage emphasize its track-only nature. The steering wheel is derived from McLaren’s Formula 1 technology, ensuring precise control and feedback.

As a limited-edition track car, the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is not bound by road or racing regulations, allowing McLaren engineers to push the boundaries of performance and design. Its rarity and uncompromising focus on track performance make it a coveted collector’s item for enthusiasts and McLaren fans alike.

The McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is a celebration of innovation, performance, and the brand’s illustrious motorsport legacy, embodying the thrill of pure racing in a modern supercar package.