The McLaren M6GT represents one of the most intriguing 'what-ifs' in automotive history. In 1969, it was conceived as a car that stretched the boundaries of performance to embody the dream of the world’s fastest road car. Born from the prowess of the McLaren Can Am racing car, the M6GT was envisioned as a coupé iteration to compete fiercely in Group 4 racing. However, stringent manufacturing regulations demanding the production of 50 examples for this category led to the project's premature end due to the scale of McLaren’s operations at the time. Only one full prototype was completed, designated OBH 500H, combining the proposed bodywork with an existing race chassis and capturing founder Bruce McLaren's vision of amalgamating racetrack expertise into a world-class sports car.
Bruce McLaren's untimely demise in 1970 cast a shadow over the ambitious M6GT project, with only his personal car serving as a testament to the project. This vehicle not only illustrated his immense contribution to motorsport and automotive engineering but also teased a potential shift for the manufacturer, which wouldn't come to fruition until years later with the legendary McLaren F1. The M6GT stood as a prototype, exuding raw power and a promise that could have redefined road cars. London-based creative studio INK has recognized this historical significance and paid homage to the M6GT by creating a ‘Plain Body’ CGI rendition, showcasing the car’s striking contours and pure form free of racing liveries - a salute to the pure intent behind the original design.
INK's depiction of the McLaren M6GT is more than a nostalgic nod to the past; it's a celebration of a lineage that speaks volumes in the history of supercars. The CGI reimagination captures the distinctiveness of the M6GT's design and what it might have signified for the automotive world. As a precursor to modern McLaren supercars, its influence is unmistakably profound, and INK's portrayal intrepidly reflects the raw essence and the compelling story of an icon that never was, reminding us that the essence of innovation sometimes lies in the dreams unfulfilled.
📷: INK
