1980 Ford M81 McLaren Mustang Prototype by Colin Wood
Nov 8, 2024
Photography Courtesy Mecum
The rarest Fox-body Mustang? No, it’s not a ’79 Indy 500 Pace Car, a Sage Green SVO or even a ’93 Cobra R, but the M81 McLaren Mustang Prototype–of which, only 10 were ever made.
Rarer still? How about the only one believed to be painted black from the factory?
Not to be confused with the Mustangs (and Capris) constructed by ASC McLaren, this Mustang was the result of a collaboration between McLaren Engines–of Bruce McLaren fame–and Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations.
While the M81 was fitted with several upgrades including wide fenders, BBS wheels and adjustable Koni shocks, it’s the Mustang’s engine that received the most attention: Each turbocharged inline-four engine was disassembled, deburred, blueprinted and then reassembled by McLaren. In total, power was raised from 132 horsepower to 175.
Showing 8096 miles, this M81–serial No. 08–was exported to Europe though was brought back to the U.S this year.
Find this 1980 Ford M81 McLaren Mustang Prototype for auction from Mecum.
While Hagerty doesn't have any estimated values, another M81 crossed the Mecum auction block twice:
Bring a Trailer also had a (different) twice-acutioned M81:
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Price
Price upon request
Color
Black
