Check Out This Rare McLaren Mustang

Few people seem to remember that a McLaren Mustang was a thing back during the Fox Body era, but we can hardly blame everyone. After all, only 10 of the 1980 Ford M81 McLaren Mustang Prototypes were made, so they’re not exactly tooling around your local meet every third Saturday morning of the month.

This barn find 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 hides a big secret.

That’s what makes this video from Autotopia LA such a treat because Seans helps us not only get a closer look at one of these ultra-rare ponies but also feel what riding inside one is like. Few get to ever experience that, so we highly recommend watching the video.

Back in the late 70s McLaren, the company now known not only for motorsports but also making incredible supercars, teamed up with Ford to whip up a special Mustang. It was back when the Fox Body platform was new, so the Blue Oval wanted to get enthusiasts excited.

What’s more, McLaren’s racing prowess was required because the special-edition model was going to be made for eligibility in the IMSA racing series. Instead of the usual 4.2-liter V8, the pony was going to use a blueprinted, deburred turbo 2.3-liter inline-four Lima engine.

Also included in the special formula was an upgraded suspension for superior handling on the track.

To visually set the model apart from other Fox Bodies, IMSA treatments to the interior and exterior were to be added.

Originally 250 M81 McLaren Mustangs were going to be made. But the project went belly-up, supposedly due to a lack of demand. Thus, most people don’t even remember this was a thing. We wonder how many back in the day even knew about the project.

Later, a dealer special order or DSO program was launched. The parts were shipped to dealers after a customer ordered them, then the car was assembled in the service department. This is one of those DSO models.

Likely no more than 20 DSOs were ever made. This is one of a handful still being driven. But the owner didn’t keep the 5.0 V8, instead opting for a blueprinted 347 stroker, so it really kicks. The guy also upgraded the suspension, brakes and more for a real hot rod build you have to see.

Images via Autotopia LA/YouTube