A Legendary Racing Machine Ready for Its Next Chapter.
Few eras in motorsport captured the imagination quite like Can-Am. Unrestricted engineering, enormous horsepower, breathtaking speed and some of the most extraordinary racing machines ever built. The 1970 McLaren M12 stands proudly among them.
Now available through West Coast Dream Machines, this remarkable McLaren M12 Can-Am represents an opportunity to own more than a piece of motorsport history. It's an invitation to experience it firsthand.
Born from the Golden Age of Can-Am Racing
The Canadian-American Challenge Cup, better known as Can-Am, was one of the most exciting racing series in motorsport history. Established in 1966, the championship became famous for its relatively open technical regulations, allowing manufacturers and independent teams to push the boundaries of automotive engineering.
At the centre of this extraordinary era was Bruce McLaren and his racing organisation, Bruce McLaren Motor Racing.
The McLaren M12 was introduced from 1969 onwards as a customer racing car, giving privateer teams the opportunity to compete in the increasingly competitive Can-Am championship. Built by Trojan Ltd. under licence from McLaren, approximately 15 examples were produced, making surviving cars particularly significant to collectors of historic motorsport machinery.
Drawing on the aerodynamic steel and aluminium monocoque architecture of the earlier McLaren M8A, the M12 carried forward the aggressive proportions and purposeful engineering that helped define the McLaren Can-Am dynasty.
Most examples were paired with Chevrolet big-block V8 power, delivering the kind of performance and unmistakable soundtrack that made Can-Am legendary.
A Racing Pedigree That Goes Beyond the Numbers
What makes this particular 1970 McLaren M12 especially compelling is its history on the track.
This isn't a historic race car that has spent decades sitting quietly in a collection. It has an extensive competition history and continued to see active track use until approximately 18 months ago.
Its racing résumé includes some of North America's most respected circuits:
- Blackhawk Farms Raceway — 1974 and 2017
- Road America — 2017
- Area 27 — 2016 and 2018
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca — 2018, 2019 and 2021
From the sweeping corners of Road America to the legendary Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, this M12 has experienced the circuits that define North American road racing.
For the next owner, that history adds another dimension to an already extraordinary automobile. Its story isn't simply about how it was built, but about where it has been and the experiences it still has to offer.
More Than Ownership. An Opportunity to Go Racing.
Owning a vintage Can-Am car is a dream for many motorsport enthusiasts, but getting involved in historic racing can seem like a daunting undertaking.
That's where this opportunity becomes particularly interesting.
The purchase of this McLaren M12 offers the option of engaging a dedicated trackside racing team to help guide the new owner through their racing experience.
From the practicalities of race preparation and trackside support to getting comfortable behind the wheel, having an experienced team alongside you can make the transition into historic motorsport considerably more approachable.
Whether you're an experienced driver looking to add a significant piece of racing history to your collection or a passionate enthusiast ready to experience vintage racing for the first time, this is an opportunity to take ownership beyond the garage.
A Rare Opportunity for the Serious Collector
With approximately 15 examples originally built, the McLaren M12 occupies a special place in the history of Can-Am racing.
It represents an era when engineering ambition took precedence, racing cars were uncompromising by design, and the spectacle of motorsport was every bit as important as the competition itself.
For collectors, historic racing enthusiasts and those who appreciate the raw character of purpose-built competition machinery, opportunities like this don't come along every day.
The 1970 McLaren M12 Can-Am is now available through West Coast Dream Machines.
Discover the history. Experience the sound. Take your place behind the wheel.
Because some cars are meant to be preserved. Others are meant to be raced.
This McLaren was born to do both.
Contact West Coast Dream Machines to learn more about this exceptional opportunity and the available trackside racing support.
Take your dreams to the track.
Our Mclaren M12 Can-Am is available with a track-side team to hire to ensure you get the most of your racing experience.
Start your engine—Let's race!
