The first Middle East public display for one of the most unique modern supercars McLaren Automotive has created was held on the stunning terrace at the famous Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, UAE.

The McLaren 650S Can-Am went on show at the Gulf Concours, an invitation-only event for car collectors and connosieurs on November 18 and 19.

The twin-turbocharged V8 was modelled on the 1966 McLaren M1B Can-Am, which was one of the most successful race cars of its era and can also be seen at the Gulf Concours.

Can-Am (Canada-America) racing was based in North America from 1966 to 1974 and gave engineers the freedom to design and build the most powerful cars with the best aerodynamics, but it was McLaren and the M1B in particular, which dominated the series.

In honour of the famous model’s 50th birthday, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) immortalised it by creating the limited edition 650S Can-Am. Only 50 have been produced globally, all based on the 650S Spider and the model on display at Gulf Concours is the only one in the UAE.

It is on display for the first time alongside its mentor, the 1966 Mars Red, M1B Open Cockpit, which was designed and built by Bruce McLaren and Robin Herd and is powered by a 340bhp Oldsmobile-badged, Chevrolet V8.

In addition to the  650S Can-Am and M1B, McLaren is also displaying its newest entries into the luxury sports car market with the 570S Coupé and 570GT, which represents the first models to be launched in the company’s new Sports Series range.

Carbon Fibre features extensively throughout the 650S Can-Am and for the first time acarbon fibre retractable hard top is incorparted, while further carbon fibre is used for the bonnet, Airbrake, front splitter, rear bumper, door blades and 650S Can-Am branded sill cover.

MSO has also created a unique set of lightweight forged alloy wheels inspired by the 1960’s racer and further unique Can-Am features such as the louvered front wings and a new quad exit, polished stainless steel exhaust system.

The showing at the inaugural Gulf Concours comes on the back of unprecedented sales growth in the Middle East and Arica region during the first half of 2016, the company said.
 
This performance is a result of a continued focus by McLaren retail partners to meet customer expectations and also the introduction of a broader range of models offered, specifically within the Sports Series, which includes the 570S Coupé, voted the Middle East Car of the Year Awards 2016 ‘Best Performance Coupe’, it said. - TradeArabia News Service