Description:

The 1967 McLaren M4B represents the thrilling intersection of heritage, performance, and rarity, one of only 25 examples constructed between 1967 and 1968 by Trojan, originally designed for Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. Developed as a bridge between McLaren’s pioneering M2B and the later M5A, the M4B combines elegant Formula 2 proportions with Formula 1 ambition. With its aluminum monocoque chassis, Hewland FT200 gearbox, and Lotus Twin Cam engine producing approximately 180 horsepower, this M4B offers an authentic period racing experience. Having been fully rebuilt and maintained by respected specialists, this example is ready for both discerning collectors and enthusiasts eager to return it to the track.

Originally conceived by designer Robin Herd for New Zealander Bruce McLaren’s personal Formula 2 campaign, the M4 series embodied McLaren’s philosophy of lightweight design and engineering simplicity. This particular car, chassis no. 200/12, is believed to have raced in the UK before being imported to North America under Chequered Flag Racing. Its subsequent history includes careful stewardship by notable enthusiasts including Dr. Jerry Miller of California, who commissioned a full rebuild to M4B specifications by Collins Fabrication in Santa Ana. In 2006, the car was acquired by the current owner, who entrusted its maintenance and trackside support to Graham Collins of Collins Racing. A Slade Engines rebuild followed in 2009, and the car saw active use  primarily on vintage race tracks and participating in several exhibitions such as the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival in California. Since 2014, the current owner stopped exhibition racing and the M4B has been kept in a climate-controlled collection at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. It has been regularly started, maintained, and exercised since, reflecting the quality of care expected for a race car of this caliber.

The McLaren’s exterior presentation is clean and period-correct, finished in British Racing Green with its distinctive Kiwi emblem adorning the nose. The bodywork, formed from fiberglass over an aluminum monocoque, remains true to the M4’s original “bathtub” configuration and remains one of the final designs before aerodynamic devices reshaped Formula racing. Cast magnesium McLaren-Elva wheels (9×13-inch front, 12×13-inch rear) complete the authentic 1960s competition stance, while all surfaces and components show evidence of careful use and professional upkeep rather than restoration excess.

Inside the minimalist cockpit, the McLaren M4B presents an unfiltered, driver-focused environment. Smiths instrumentation, a steel roll bar, a Willans four-point harness, and the exposed aluminum panels emphasize its functional elegance. Every detail, from the tactile gear lever to the tight seating position, reflects the era’s dedication to lightweight design and mechanical feedback. The view from the open cockpit, with the Lotus Twin Cam engine singing directly behind the driver, remains one of the most evocative in vintage motorsport.

Mechanically, this example benefits from a known chain of professional care and preparation. Its 1.6-liter Lotus Twin Cam engine, rebuilt by Slade Engines in Salinas, California, delivers approximately 180 horsepower through the robust Hewland FT200 five-speed gearbox. The suspension follows McLaren’s original geometry with single top link with radius arm and lower wishbones in the front, twin radius arms and reversed lower wishbones with single top links in the rear, an anti-roll bar, and outboard coil-spring shock units and Girling 10.5 inch disc brakes on all four corners. The car weighs just 960 pounds, allowing remarkable responsiveness and balance, attributes that make the M4B as rewarding on vintage grids as it is captivating in a curated motorsport collection.

This example includes maintenance and provenance documentation, as well as a soft car cover. Prior to hitting the track again, this McLaren will need new tires, certified seatbelts and the fluids should be changed.

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