McLaren’s McLaren

I have and always will be a big fan of Can-Am racing, with McLarens ranking among my favorites. Their domination in this series was truly awesome. 1967 was a championship year for the team; driving their svelte M6As (freshly painted orange), the team of Bruce (McLaren) and Denny (Hulme) won five of the six races in the series, and would most likely have won the last, had McLaren not run out fuel in the last 200 yards - handing over victory to John Surtees in a competing Lola.

Enough history. The Spark model of McLaren’s M6A is a winner in more ways than one, and it’s also a reissue, from a second production run. It’s not common practice for Spark to reissue any of their models, and they’ve only ever done this with, maybe, two or three cars, this M6A being one of them. Sounds like a “back by popular demand” deal - and another sold-out run. These cars seem to come and go in the blink of an eye. Still, a few dealers might have one or two. And, of course, there are the online auctions.
The M6A has also been modeled by others, including John Simons wonderful Marsh Models range of fine hand built, limited edition pieces from England -  probably the only model that’s finer than the Spark issue (but you do pay for the extra finery). I’m pretty happy with this Spark piece, except for the annoying fact that they’ve put “Eagle” on the Goodyear tires - a mistake other companies have made. Eagle tires weren’t around when these cars ran - Blue Streaks were. A-ha! 

The paint finish is excellent; nice and smooth, and adorned with cleanly applied decals. Simple, nice engine detail pokes through the top of the rear deck, and the cockpit has a good amount of detail, too, including separate seat belts. Finishing off the good looks is a very clean, dark green tinted windscreen with a black edged bottom and simulated screw heads all around.

This is a sweet model. If you want more detail, and exacting historic accuracy, seek out the Marsh piece. If not, I’m sure you will be very happy with the Spark model, as I am - if you can find one.

Spark McLaren M6A, 1967 Can Am Champion, item SPA-43 0111, around $55.00. Distributed by Minichamps, NA, / www.minichampsna.com.

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