The Bruce McLaren Trust
The Bruce McLaren Trust was publicly launched at Wings & Wheels, Whenuapai, Auckland in March 1997. 
In July 1990 a small memorial trust had been formed to honour Bruce. Upon its closure in 1995, it was realised by the McLaren family and Ross Jensen that there was a need to form a permanent trust. Therefore in response to repeated demands to commemorate Bruce McLaren’s achievements and honour him as one of New Zealand’s international heroes, the new Trust was formed by Ross Jensen and Bruce’s younger sister Jan McLaren. The overall purpose of the Bruce McLaren Trust is to be a living working memorial to Bruce McLaren and the McLaren Team heritage. Bruce McLaren was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1937 and was killed tragically whilst testing one of his cars at Goodwood circuit, England in June 1970. From the young school boy with Perthes Disease, strapped to a metal frame at the Wilson Home in Takapuna, Auckland, to a world class international motor racing driver, engineer and designer whose name is still used in Formula 1 motor racing today, is a remarkable achievement. With fellow New Zealanders, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon, Bruce took on the might of the international motor racing world and triumphed with enormous success. It was all about team work and there is no doubt that Bruce and his team did for New Zealand and New Zealand motorsport in the 1960s and 1970s what Sir Peter Blake and Team Black Magic have done for New Zealand and New Zealand yachting today.
News/Events
3 months ago
Photos from NZIGP Legends Club's post ... See MoreSee Less
- Likes: 30
- Shares: 1
- Comments: 1
3 months ago
The Legends Lounge, Bruce McLaren 50 commemoration. ... See MoreSee Less
3 months ago
50 years ago today Bruce McLaren lost his life whilst testing his Can-Am car at Goodwood. Pictured here with his wife Patty and his racing Mini in 1963, Bruce joined the Cooper F1 team in 1959 and won the U.S Grand Prix in that year at the age of 22. More race wins followed, including the Monaco GP in 1962, that Le Mans win in 1966 and much success as a race car designer and constructor, a legacy that lives on today. ... See MoreSee Less
Such a great photo,
💙
3 months ago
#Bruce50 ... See MoreSee Less
One day when we head over that way, this place will be on my bucket list.
Bruce McLaren is such an inspirational person
Awesome man
Vamos a recordar el palmarés de Bruce, conseguido en los últimos doce años de competición al máximo nivel. En total ha disputado 103 carreras de F-1, con 4 victorias, 27 podiums y tres vueltas rápidas, curiosamente ninguna “pole”. Ha conseguido un subcampeonato (1960) y dos terceros puestos (1962 y 1969). Ha competido con 14 coches diferentes de Cooper, Eagle Weslake y McLaren y con seis fabricantes de motores. Además ha corrido otras 50 carreras de F-1 fuera del campeonato, entre las que destaca la victoria en la carrera de campeones de 1968, con un M7A, por delante de Pedro Rodríguez y Denny Hulme 3º. Ha sido campeón de la Can-Am en dos ocasiones y una del campeonato Tasman. Ha ganado las 24h. de Le Mans, y las 12h. de Sebring. Ademas, ha compartido volante con los mejores de tres continentes, europeos como Jim Clark, Joseph Siffert o Jo Schelesser, americanos como Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney, A.J. Foyt, Jim Hall, Ken Miles o Roger Penske, y oceánicos como Jack Brabham y Chris Amon por citar a los más conocidos. Ha competido en turismos, Formula 1, Formula 2, Sport Prototipos, Tasman Cup, y Can-Am. En cuanto a marcas de coches, además de McLaren ha pilotado Cooper, Ford, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Maserati, Abarth, Porsche y BRM, aunque nunca ha pilotado un Ferrari. Siempre fue un lider en cada categoría en la que compitió. Nos dejó una persona que cuando tenía un segundo libre diseñaba un coche, y en cuanto tenía dos segundos libres, se subía en él para probarlo, que trabajó codo con codo con sus mecánicos para aprender de ellos, siempre fue un competidor leal, y además, el mejor piropo que le pueden decir a alguien, ERA UNA BUENA PERSONA. D.E.P.
Nice tribute
3 months ago
BRUCE McLAREN 30 August 1937 – 2 June 1970
We remember Bruce McLaren, it’s been 50 years since his accident and yet he is still very much with us every day.
Here at the Bruce McLaren Heritage Centre we share his memory with enthusiasts and supporters from all around the world, their passion for Motorsport and history is so strong that you truly are never gone if you are remembered so well.
We are honored to have this fantastic location where we can all come together and enjoy Bruce’s Motorsport history and legacy with so many visitors ... See MoreSee Less
Hi Zeta, our family thanks to you for your dedication to running the Centre, it is a credit to you - Paul
Bruce McLaren was my one hero as a kid. And today, for that matter. I first heard about him when I was 12, and had just discovered cars, road racing in general, and the Can-Am series, in particular. In one way or another, he inspired a good many things in my life, from drafting (designing cars) on up. One of my most enduring childhood memories was being at the Buckeye Can-Am at Mid-Ohio on my 14th birthday in 1969. Watching that beautiful, high-winged Mark 8B flashing past put me in ecstasy. Would that he could have lived longer and seen what his team has become. And to see his dream of McLaren road cars become reality. Oh, to see such a sight again...
My hero as well
He was my hero growing up.
3 months ago
Timeline PhotosMcLaren Marks the 50th Anniversary of the death of Bruce McLaren with a short private ceremony at the company's headquarters in Woking, Surrey, UK.
Daughter Amanda McLaren - a brand ambassador for McLaren Automotive unveils a life-sized statue of her father in commemoration of his life and achievements. ... See MoreSee Less
3 months ago
BRUCE McLAREN // 30 August 1937 – 2 June 1970
2 June 1970, was much like today, a cold and damp Auckland winters morning.
I can still clearly remember as a 8 year old getting ready for school, the 4 bar heater glowing in the kitchen, eating my Cornflakes, as the tragic news filtered through on 'the Merv Smith Show' on 1ZB and later seeing the headlines in the NZ Herald.
It is one of those moments in life that will stay crystalised in time for eternity.
“To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.”- Bruce McLaren
#MotorsportPlus
#CommunicatingEmotion ... See MoreSee Less
I have considered that quote over many years and it makes me wonder if Bruce was somewhat prescient about his own mortality.
3 months ago
More wonderful words for BruceMcLaren's founder: born racer, engineer, constructor, beloved father & husband, kind man & good friend! <3 ... See MoreSee Less
Sian Mansell
Bob Rose
Fantastic collection of pictures! They look like they were taken yesterday! His face is so ageless
In the Austin ulster
I got to know Bruce well when we he had the service station in Te Atatu Rd BRUCE MCLAREN MTRS . A real champion in every way
💙🇳🇿
Fred Hamlett
3 months ago
Absolutely Fantastic ... See MoreSee Less
Very moving that young people can honour Bruce who died many years before they were born
Brilliant.
Fantastic....
4 months ago
Sad News tonight RIP Sir Stirling Moss 🏁🏁 LegendAll at McLaren mourn the passing of a legend of our sport, Sir Stirling Moss. A prodigious competitor, supremely talented racer, and consummate gentleman, he leaves an indelible mark of greatness on the history of international motorsport. We send our condolences and sympathies to his wife Susie, his family and all that knew him. ... See MoreSee Less
I was lucky to meet him, twice at Ardmore and once at Goodwood, very nice to talk too, a true motor sport legend.
He was one of the greats. Good interviews on You Tube. A true gentleman.
Stirling Moss visiting the Trust picture quality not the best www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgDPEO5osPQ
Bruce McLaren Heritage Centre is feeling concerned.
5 months ago
COVID-19 Alert Level 4
Bruce McLaren Heritage Centre
We are currently closed due to Alert Level 4
We will review this decision again in 2 weeks, Thank you for your support ... See MoreSee Less
5 months ago
COVID-19
Overseas Visitors and travellers coming to the Heritage Centre
As per the NZ Government guidelines we are sorry but we have decided we must decline all Travellers that have been in NZ for less then 14 days to visit the Heritage Centre
As much as we would like you to visit, we have decided this is not only for our protection but also for our NZ visitors to keep us as safe as practical
We will review this decision again in 2 weeks, Thank you for your support ... See MoreSee Less
6 months ago
M6GT simply amazingThese days Bruce McLaren’s M6GT lives in the United States, and is looked after by a team at McLaren Chicago. In its entire life it has covered just 2094 miles. It still has its original tyres… and we’re driving it around the city streets of Downtown, holding our breath as the incredibly low prototype narrowly clears the bumps in the road.
Read more here: cars.mclaren.com/gb-en/latest/post/mclarens-first-gt-revisited-after-50-years ... See MoreSee Less
It’s possible, it’s traveled further on a ship, in a container, than the miles on the clock! 😳🤔😄
Surely they can’t be the original tyres! They’d be perished, hard and dangerous to use.
Lucky it isn’t on cinder blocks with the wheels missing!
Looks great, what is the soundtrack like?
Wasted driving it in the city
Baz Goldsworthy
7 months ago
Well done Hugh Congratulations ... See MoreSee Less
Awesome. Congratulations to Hugh. Should have happened sooner!
Well overdue
Fred Hamlett Remember seeing him race at Pukekohe NZGP meetings in 1963 and 1964
🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿🏁🇳🇿👏👏👏👏👏❤️🏆🍾🥂
7 months ago
We are saddened to hear of the passing of McLaren Old Boy Bruce Harre. From Hunterville, New Zealand, Bruce was the third person to join the McLaren team based in Colnbrook, UK and worked on building the race cars. The photo below is from 1964 and shows the team gathered around the scale model of the new M1 sports car, from left to right, Bruce McLaren, Wally Willmott, Bruce Harre, Howden Ganley & Eoin Young.
Our condolences to the Harre family and friends 🙁 ... See MoreSee Less
Fred Hamlett
Lovey bloke Bruce was, I always enjoyed a chat with him. Those originals were the foundation of McLaren They are remembered...
Loved listening to his stories in the raw footage working on the McLaren doco. Always with a smile on his face.
I'll always treasure chatting with Bruce, so entertaining and full of enthusiasm.
in good company with his mates
Dad was proud to have worked with exceptional people as he called them at McLaren.....RIP Dad!
Another Kiwi Legend... Gone; never forgotten. Wrench in Peace Bruce.. say hello to Wal and all. Arohanui Te W'anau.
Sad news. A very interesting guy to talk to and always friendly. He had truly 'been there done that'. His trade mark to me was how carried his tyre gauge with one end in each back pocket.
Show stu this please Michelz Mshelz Morrison RIP
Very sad, rest in Peace Bruce..
7 months ago
Trophy of the month for January is for the MRC (Motor Racing Club Trophy, awarded to the first NZ finisher in the feature race) Challenge Trophy a 150 mile race driven by Bruce in the Lycoming Special at the ninth Lady Wigram meeting held at the Wigram airfield circuit on the 23rd of January 1960.
Bruce’s own Cooper had had a piston collapse and so was out of action. A friend Malcolm Gill offered Bruce the Ralph Watson Built Lycoming Special so that Bruce would be able to drive at the meeting.
The car takes its name from the flat four aeroplane Lycoming motor mounted at the front of the car with drive to the rear wheels. Quite different from the Cooper’s Bruce was more used to. The engine was 4.7L and only revved to around 3000rpm, immense torque was available from 1000 through to 3000 so that only a couple of gear changes were needed each lap, the car was also relatively quiet and Bruce commented that he could hear the public address system while racing. Having started last on the back row Bruce finished fourth.
Bruce wrote about the race in his biography From the Cockpit which is referenced for this story. ... See MoreSee Less
8 months ago
More great viewing ... See MoreSee Less
www.youtube.com/channel/UC3tu0bywE_RrNar8LqRo5jQ here are the other 3 episodes if you haven't seen them
8 months ago
Here is your chance to watch it again"McLaren" the movie/documentary plays on Prime free to air in NZ on Sunday at 8.30pm. If you haven't seen it, its a must watch.( note that many of the driving sequences in the movie were done by our own legend Tony Roberts). ... See MoreSee Less
Wonderful viewing, bring it on.
Cerice DeLacy this Sunday nite.
Pat Harris
8 months ago
60th Anniversary
Bruce McLaren
1st F1 Grand Prix Win
12th Dec 1959 USA Sebring Cooper T51 2.5L
Youngest winner of a Grand Prix age 22, record stood for 44 years ... See MoreSee Less
Absobloodylutely Fantabulous...Bruce was my boyhood hero and it was a great loss to NZ and the World when he departed this earth way too young....
What a Victory! What a true #Kiwi #Hero
Gone too soon, a brilliant man with much more talent to share. RIP #kiwi #hero
My insightful question is what is the role of the guy standing adjacent to the chap with the chequered flag ???
9 months ago
Photo I found on the internet today of Gerald "Jerry" Powell repairing the GT40, we love finding out these new bits of information and the photo top's it off, Thanks Garritt Powell Powell Racing for sharing this
When this car came back from Le mans it was touring Indianapolis, they backed it off the trailer and ripped the door open on it. My grandpa was the best composite guy in Indy at the time and owned a shop right down the street from the track. This is him with it in his barn after fixing it. ... See MoreSee Less
#2 is correct 🙂. Congratulations, Ken Miles / Denny Hulme
Thanks for the spotlight! Jerry Powell
9 months ago
Significant item of the Month
This month something different from the usual trophy. The signed steering wheel from Emerson Fittipaldi’s 1974 McLaren M23 Formula 1 World Championship winning car.
The steering wheel was highly functional and the only piece of ‘electronics’ was an engine cut out switch, it measures 27cm in diameter.
In 1974 the Marlboro sponsored team was Emerson Fittipaldi in car #5 and Denny Hulme in Car #6, a watershed year for the team, Fittipaldi winning the drivers’ championship and McLaren the manufacturers with the Gordon Coppuck designed M23, powered by a Ford Cosworth 3 litre V8.
Thanks to Phil Sharp for donating this wonderful item of memorabilia. ... See MoreSee Less
9 months ago
Should be great viewing tonight, if you don't have sky I understand this is the YouTube link youtu.be/wvFhl0SIwp0 ... See MoreSee Less
I have it on Seres Link Recording on Sky Sports NZ. Will Share and remind Motorsports Fans and Enthusiasts again too. Thanks.
10 months ago
Trophy of the Month for November is for the "Rootes Group Veteran Car Run".
A celebration of the emancipation of the automobile from the “red flag act” that required cars traveled no faster than 4 mph and preceded by a person with a red flag. The maximum speed was lifted to 14 mph, the new law to take effect on Nov 14th 1896 and to celebrate a run from London to Brighton was organised by the first Car Club in the UK and is still held every year with the exception of the war years and petrol rationing. Only cars produced before January 1 1905 are eligible.
In 1964 Bruce McLaren drove a 12hp 1904 Sunbeam with Chris Amon in the passenger seat & Eoin Young in the back seat. A pewter mug was presented to participants and is on display in our trophy room.. ... See MoreSee Less
Amanda, here is your Dad on the London to New Brighton Rally
Eion Young Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren
