Fibreglass body - The fibreglass body needs to be manufactured from patterns and factory drawings in order to preserve the original look of the car and to restore it to a genuine M8A. The existing body is from an M8D and was fitted to the car when it was used as the static display car. Therefore this bodywork cannot be utilised in the rebuild and this original body in its damaged condition will be used for historical display purposed only. Original moulds for later cars have been have been tracked down in the UK and an original rear panel in the USA and we are now in able to re create the original bodywork in conjunction with the plans and photographic evidence. The fibreglass components will have the gel coat coloured to match the original McLaren orange livery complete with sponsorship decals as used during the 1968 racing season.
Engine & Gearbox - The engine and gearbox require complete replacement as the “dummy” gearbox and engine in the display car were never complete and are in a badly damaged and deteriorated state. A number of vital small missing components will also need to be manufactured from original factory drawings. We have the option of installing an Aluminium or cast iron 427ci Chevrolet engine of approx 600 bhp. It is probable that the cast iron option will be chosen as it would be a much more “user friendly” engine in terms of starting and reliability. The original Aluminium engines were built for lightweight performance, but not a long life! The gearbox will be a Hewland LG500 – procurement of this is still also under negotiation.
Future maintenance – a full plan for ongoing maintenance and running costs has not been completed to date in detail. However, it has been addressed and its regime will be developed in conjunction with the restoring engineer and several ex McLaren Racing personnel. Volunteers will support all maintenance and ongoing fundraising will cover any costs required. Our Trustee Duncan Fox, the controller for this project, currently runs the maintenance program for his own McLaren cars that are used for the Trusts benefit and the M8A will simply fall into this current routine maintenance program as is normal for any classic race car.
Insurance - An insurance policy is in place on the vehicle in its current state and amounts will be adjusted as the value of the car increases with the rebuild. Insurance costs have not been noted anywhere within the project costings or budget. These are however, being totally funded by one of our members.
Overall value of project
The total overall value of the project is calculated to be approximately $750,000
| Actual costs to be incurred in the rebuild | 370,000 |
| Value of car and tag as gifted to us | 250,000 |
| Donated use of workshop and machinery | 50,000 |
| Voluntary labour | 100,000 |
| Donated transporter and trailer | 80,000 |
| Display & research material | 10,000 |
| Production of historical/educational booklet | 5,000 |
Market Value of M8 when completed – vicinity of $1.5 million on the European or American market.
Funds raised by the Trust will also be used for ongoing maintenance, display, running costs and the like.
