Current Trust Projects

Current Trust Projects
McLaren M8 Can-Am Car

In late 1995 the Trust started negotiating to gain ownership of the McLaren M8 which had been embroiled in an ownership battle for some 17 years. After many months of discussion we reached an amicable solution and all parties agreed to allow the McLaren M8 Can-Am car to be owned by the Bruce McLaren Trust Ownership of the car was officially recognised at the Wings & Wheels event at the RNZAF Whenuapai Air Base on March 1st 1997. Hand over of the vehicle was done by Mayor Les Mills of Auckland on behalf of Greeta Hulme, the Museum of Transport and Technology and the Northern Sports Car Club with Stirling Moss accepting ownership of the McLaren M8 on behalf of the Trustees. The Trust is now undertaking the funding and rebuild of this vehicle to full racing mode. In addition to all the voluntary labour, anticipated cost of the rebuild is approximately $300,000. Corporate sponsorship and heritage grants will be one of our main targets of funding along with privileges/offers in conjunction with the car and special VIP memberships. Generous grants from the Lotteries Commission and Sky City Community Trust have given the rebuild a tremendous boost. Support from Car clubs, Corporates, ex McLaren Team Members, individual members and specific fundraising events have ensured the project is progressing at an acceptable speed. *Memorabilia* The memorabilia collection is growing from strength to strength due in part to the generosity of members, friends, the McLaren family and individuals that respect the work of the Trust. Many of the items have been gifted and others are on permanent loan. The collection includes a wonderful array of Bruce’s trophies and medals, personal momentoes, items of his clothing, letters, audio tapes, films, magazine, books, photographs, decals, Historical Registers (should you have any files, photos or information that you could contribute please e-mail: Webmaster Bruce's sister Pat McLaren Hunter is managing the registers and is compiling the trophies, photos, films, videos and memorabilia. A vehicle register is also being compiled of McLaren cars built by Bruce and the team. As well, Pat has established a register of other cars driven by Bruce in his early days. Currently we are concentrating on the Can-Am era and documenting the "pedigree" of all the Can-Am cars we know the whereabouts of. Should you have any material, photos or information that you could contribute, please e-mail: Webmaster Educational Programme The Trust has considerable involvement with the Bruce McLaren Intermediate School. It is our intention to develop this to a full educational programme and display and then to expand this programme to incorporate other intermediate schools within Auckland and then New Zealand. We will be seeking corporate sponsorship in order to undertake this project and fully intend using the motor racing aspect to include driver and safety education. Merchandising A large range of Merchandising is now produced by the Trust. Due to demand we try to increase the range annually with the latest additions being the Polarfleece vest and jacket range and the long awaited release of the enamel badge. Some of the items are produced as limited editions, i.e. the Massacre T Shirt and the Orange Polo and Members are advised of these new releases through the Bruce McLaren Trust newsletter. Art & Internet We also have the support of three artists who are currently working with the Trust with promotional art and paintings - New Painting release A new commission with renowned New Zealand artist, Craig Primrose is virtually complete and release of the 500 limited edition prints is planned for 2002 to coincide with the 50^th anniversary of Bruce’s first motor sport event. Due to special request, a selected number of prints may be released earlier. If you are familiar with Craig,s wonderful work and wish to pre book a specific print number please e-mail the Trust with your requirements to the Webmaster A deposit of $50 will be required. The painting features a montage of Bruce and some of the historic races and cars that formed and shaped his motor racing career. Craig Primrose whose magnificent Can-Am painting has been featured worldwide. Dennis Brown of Studio 31, Canterbury who specialises in classic motor racing prints and original paintings Dave Blyth, of webdesign another well known New Zealand motor racing artist and Internet designer.