Development of the M8E

Through 1970 Hulme had actually tested what at the time was dubbed the M8E, which was intended to spearhead the 1971 programme, but that designation eventually went to that year's Trojan customer car and the works car became known as the M8F. This was similar to the D save for full-length fences along the upper bodywork to promote more downforce, and 8.1-litre Chevy engines prepared once again by Knutson. With aluminium cylinder blocks courtesy of sponsor Reynolds, power was again increased to an incredible 740bhp.

Where the M6A had been the design work of Robin Herd, and the M8A that of Swiss engineer Jo Marquart, in collaboration with Bruce, the M8F was the work of McLaren stalwart Gordon Coppuck. This time the changes included a longer wheelbase, inboard rear brakes to reduce unsprung weight and a stiffer chassis. Once again the old cars were sold off to privateers, while sundry new M8Es were sold.

The new season began with a shock, as Stewart planted the Lola on pole at Mosport on 13 June and led prior to gearbox problems. That left Denny to lead Peter home, a pattern repeated at St Jovite and reversed at Road Atlanta and Watkins Glen. However, Stewart continued to be a thorn in the McLaren flank and duly won at Mid-Ohio when both M8Fs broke CV joints. Revson won at Elkhart Lake but Stewart was again quick, as was Oliver who was now in an unreliable Shadow. Revson won twice more, in convincing style at Donnybrooke and under a cloud at Laguna Seca where he ignored the black flag in the closing laps when leaking oil. Denny then endorsed the McLaren domination by taking the remaining races at Edmonton and Riverside, although he couldn't quite amass enough points to hang on to his title, which passed to the deserving Revson. As a sign of the opposition's desperation, sabotage was suspected at Edmonton when a bolt was found in one of the injection trumpets on Revson's car. He was obliged to start late while it was fished out.

Thus ended the season in which the team had faced real opposition on a consistent basis. Ultimately, although Stewart had frequently led, the McLaren proved the better, more reliable car; Lola was handicapped, however, by having only a single car entry.

Peter Revson driving his M8F in 71