M15A
- 1970
1970 was a year that McLaren took Indianapolis by storm. Its first attempt at the
Brickyard saw it take the prestigious designers award. The team built three cars based
closely on the simple and yet effective Can-am designs. The car was powered by a turbo
charged Offenhauser 4 cylinder. Sadly Denny was burnt and Amon found that he could not
build up to the speeds demanded. Peter Revson and Carl Williams took over the remaining
two cars.Chassis: Broad
aluminium-alloy panelled monocoque formed over steel and aluminium bulkheads, with the
engine acting as 2 semi-stressed member in the rear bay.
Suspension: Single top link with radius arm, lower wishbone anti-roll bar
and outboard coil spring/shock units with adjust, able ride height in front. Single top
link, reversed lower wish, bone, twin radius arms, anti-roll bar and outboard coil spring,
shock units at rear. McLaren cast magnesium wheels with knock-off hub nuts, 15 x 10
front and 15 x 14 rear.
Brakes: Lockheed ventilated discs, 11.97-inch diameter.
Body: Formed by monocoque sides with detachable fibreglass upper
panelling forming the nose cone and cockpit surround engine cover and chassis-mounted
aerofoil. Side fuel sponson carrying 67 U.S. gallons.
Engine: 2.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged Offenhauser with Hewland LG500
4-speed transaxle, modified with provision for external starting
Dimensions: Wheelbase 98.69 inches, front track 57.75 inches, rear track
58.06 inches, width at cockpit 45 inches overall length 156 inches, weight 1380 pounds
distributed 31 percent front/70 percent rear. |
Photo from the Hunter family collection |
