1965 McLaren-Elva M1A “Cro-Sal Special”

We dropped Indy racer Mauricio Gugelmin into a big-block M8. When he came in, his eyes were like saucers, but Lord, he had a grin on his face

by Thor Thorson

The Elva-built McLarens, called M1A to distinguish them from the original McLaren prototype, were campaigned by some of the most famous and successful drivers and teams with a variety of powerplants. Their characteristics reflect the McLaren team’s emphasis on simple, straightforward design and rugged construction, traits which had been inculcated into them from years with Cooper.

The frame was based on three main tubes incorporating a multi-tubular space frame structure and stressed sheet floor and bulkhead panels. The suspension was independent all around with very widely spaced pickups for the front upper wishbones, the rear element running almost to the cowl. The rear had reversed lower wishbones, single upper links and parallel radius rods. Springing was by coil springs and tubular shocks.

The body was designed by Tony Hilder with a pointed nose split into two nostrils to take in the air for the radiator, which exhausted out the top of the...