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Only 50 cars for 50 years: McLaren produces limited run of the 650S Can-Am

12 October, 2015

Inspired by McLaren Can-Am racers of the ’60s, production of the 650S Can-Am — based on the current twin-turbo V8-powered 650S Spider — will be limited to only 50 examples globally.

Created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), deliveries of the 650S Can-Am are set to commence in the spring of 2016 — 50 years on from the first Can-Am race at Mont-Tremblant in Canada.

Exclusive features include a carbon-fibre retractable hardtop and bonnet, air brake, front splitter, door blades, and 650S Can-Am–branded sill cover. MSO has also created a unique set of lightweight forged-alloy wheels, inspired by those of the ’60s racers. Carbon ceramic brakes with black-painted calipers are standard equipment.

Further unique features inspired by the iconic Can-Am racers include carbon-fibre louvered front wings and a new quad-exit, polished stainless-steel exhaust system to provide the 650S Can-Am with a unique soundtrack.

The 650S Can-Am is available in three colours. The launch colour, Mars Red, is directly inspired by the M1B raced by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon in the debut season. The second colour, Papaya Spark, is a modern, metallic take on McLaren’s famous Can-Am racing orange, while the final option is Onyx Black.

Want one? The asking price is £255,850 — at the current exchange rate that’s NZ$587,223.Only 50 cars for 50 years: Mclaren produces limited run of the 650S Can-Am

Motorman: When the top trio took to the road

9 May, 2025

What sort of cars did Chris Amon, Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme drive when they weren’t on the race track? Motorman knows
Most top racing drivers do care about safety levels of road-going cars for everyday motorists and their all-round abilities behind the wheel. Jackie Stewart for one denied finding everyday driving boring. He took pride in giving his passengers the smoothest possible ride, and encouraged all drivers to actively engage in the task. They also make interesting choices for their transport away from competitive motoring.
Thirty years ago I spent a day with Chris Amon driving on lower North Island roads and I can remember those informative few hours as vividly as if they were yesterday. In 1983 Chris accepted a challenge from Toyota New Zealand to improve its locally assembled cars in a relationship that extended well beyond the end of New Zealand-built Toyota vehicles in 1997.

The Ayrburn Classic announces dates for 2026

7 May, 2025

Save the date: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 February 2026
That’s right. The Ayrburn Classic returns next February for what promises to be another world-class celebration, scheduled slightly earlier on the calendar to bask in Central Otago’s long golden evenings and late-summer glow. This festival will once again transform Ayrburn into a playground for car enthusiasts, food lovers, and seekers of high-end hospitality alike.
The 2025 edition set an incredibly high benchmark, and is fast becoming one of the leading reasons to visit Queenstown – amongst New Zealanders and international travellers alike. With over 250 classic and contemporary luxury vehicles on display – collectively worth more than $250 million – the festival was a visual and visceral feast for attendees.
Standouts included an $8 million LaFerrari, the latest Aston Martin Vanquish, and a fleet of dream machines from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and more. The event’s unique blend of elegance and accessibility attracted both seasoned collectors and casual admirers aplenty.