McLaren M15 1970
1970 was a year that McLaren took Indianapolis by storm. Its first attempt at the Brickyard saw it take the prestigious designer’s award.
The team built three cars based closely on the simple and yet effective Can-Am designs. The car was powered by a turbocharged Offenhauser 4 cylinder. Sadly Denny was burnt and Amon found that he could not build up to the speeds demanded. Peter Revson and Carl Williams took over the remaining two cars
Chassis: Broad aluminium alloy panelled monocoque formed over steel and aluminium bulkheads, with the engine acting as two semi-stressed members in the rear bay
Suspension: Single top link with radius arm, lower wishbone anti-roll bar and outboard coil spring/shock units with adjustable ride height in front. Single top link, reversed lower wishbone, twin radius arms, anti-roll bar and outboard coil spring, shock units at rear. McLaren cast magnesium wheels with knock-off hub nuts, 15 x 10 front and 15 x 14 rear
Brakes: Lockheed ventilated discs, 11.97-inch diameter
Body: Formed by monocoque sides with detachable fibreglass upper panelling forming the nose cone and cockpit surround engine cover and chassis-mounted aerofoil. Side fuel sponson carrying 67 U.S. gallons
Engine: 2.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged Offenhauser with Hewland LG500 4-speed transaxle, modified with provision for external starting
Dimensions: Wheelbase 98.69 inches, front track 57.75 inches, rear track 58.06 inches, width at cockpit 45 inches overall length 156 inches, weight 1380 pounds distributed 31 percent front/70 percent rear.