3 replies to this topic

[wheadon1985]

Having read the article/advert on MotorSport magazine’s website about a McLaren MP4-1B (Chassis #6) for sale by Fiskens (now sold). It is reported that TAG McLaren had restored the vehicle with a new tub. Link - https://www.motorspo...dable-qualities

The quote from the magazine is as follows:

“In its current ownership the car has won two FIA Historic F1 Championships, having been meticulously restored by TAG-McLaren for the company collection, complete with a brand new monocoque”

My question is did the new tub come just after McLaren had the vehicle retired in the early 80’s and stay in their collection until sold off?

Alternatively, did McLaren have an old “new stock” tub on the shelf in later years and put the vehicle together around that or did they put a new tub together in later years? With the process of building a tub going from the male mould to female mould, would McLaren even have the original mandrel etc.?

Edited by wheadon1985, 20 February 2022 - 10:53.

[Parker1]

Whilst McLaren where changing the tub and just to aire on the side of caution they probably changed all the suspension and brakes as well.  Guess it would need a new fuel cell and thru in a bog standard DFV and how could you possibly question its originally …….

[speed88]

Regarding MP4-1B (M10), this along with MP4-1 (M9) were among sixteen MP4 cars that I bought from Ron Dennis in 2006.  The package had previously been sold to Prince Jefri of Brunei in the late 90s, and were repurchased by Ron when Jefri got into trouble.  To make a long story short, Ron then found me after my 20+car acquisition from Frank Williams via Bonhams in 2005.

 

 

The story behind M9 & M10 is this:  when Ron sold the package to Jefri, it was a complete collection of one car per season up until that point under Ron’s tenure (1981-96).  The problem was the company didn’t have redundant examples of each MP4/1 (a, b, c, & e) as only 8 real tubs were built over 3 seasons, and each successive season utilized older chassis modified to the-then current spec.  For instance, new for 1981 were chassis #1,2,3 but #3 was lost at Monza.  #1&2 were updated for 1982 B-spec, with #4,5,6 new for 1982.  New for 1983 were #7&8, with #8 lost in a refueling mishap.  With refueling introduced that season, older chassis were updated, along with the conversion from ground effect to flat bottom.  And then the TAG was introduced late in ‘83.  So with so many variations, and to avoid complex and expensive reverse modifications to earlier spec (never mind destroying historical updates), Ron commissioned David Price to build two new tubs (M9 & M10) circa 1997, both of which were built up with authentic running gear to ‘81/82 (MP4/1 & 1B) spec, neither having any period history, despite being authentic factory commissioned tubs to original spec.  Fitted in the usual place are chassis plates with “MP4/1-5 (M9)” & “MP4/1B-6(M10)” stamped respectively.  In addition to the chassis plates, both ’new’ tubs are clearly distinguished from the period-original by a new-like appearance, despite utilizing the same reverse mould (rough) formation treatment.  I hope this helps clear things up.  

 

 

Aaron Hsu

[dolomite]

So it’s not actually “that actual McLaren MP4/1B-6 driven to victory by Lauda” then….