1959 was a notable year for several events. One was the appearance of Bruce on the major records sheets when he won the United States Grand Prix for Coopers at Sebring and finishing sixth in the World Championship. Another was the emergence of an unknown, Denny Hulme. Bruce was still classified as a New Zealand driver in the early part of the year (he was not to join the Cooper works team until the European season), Bruce won the racing Gold star, a suitable ending to a full year of highly successful racing in both Europe and New Zealand.

The New Zealand series saw Bruce helped by Jack Brabham. Below are photos of Bruce's 1959 year in New Zealand before heading to Europe.

Bruce and his father "Pop" McLaren with the 1959 T45 Cooper Climax

Bruce & Jack Brabham looking over the 1959 T45 Cooper Climax

Bruce and Jack Brabham with the 1959 T45 Cooper Climax

Bruce driving the T45 Cooper in the 1959 International GP at Ardmore, New Zealand. Bruce finished third behind Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss

The winner’s podium at the 6th International GP 1959, Ardmore, New Zealand. Bruce McLaren 3rd place, Jack Brabham 2nd place and Stirling Moss 1st place

Bruce driving to victory at the 1959 Waimate 50 race in New Zealand

Bruce on the winner’s podium at the Waimate 50 race in 1959

Bruce accepting the winner’s trophy at the Teretonga International GP, New Zealand in 1959

After a successful season Bruce returned to the UK on the 14th March 1959 to compete in the Formula 1 series after being classified by the International Automobile Federation as a "Grade A" driver for 1960.

Eventual winner Bruce McLaren fights his Cooper Climax through the S turns on the Sebring 5.2 mile circuit. Following Bruce through the tricky turns are Jack Brabham (car #8) and Phil Hill (car #5).

Sebring – US Grand Prix – by winning this race Bruce became the youngest driver ever to win a Grand Prix at the age of 22.