Randy Grubb's McLaren M6GT project showcases exceptional craftsmanship and engineering, blending vintage design with modern functionality for an exhilarating driving experience.
“All real race cars have to be right-hand drive,” Randy Grubb explains, with evident pride as he opens the right-side door of his newly completed McLaren M6GT. Situated in his Smith River, California garage, this V-8 powered masterpiece is a culmination of years of effort, embodying the dream of a hot-rodder turned automotive artist.
Grubb, known for his bespoke creations, including Jay Leno's unique “Blastolene Special,” the GMC-motorhome-based Decoliner, and the striking Dodici Roadster, poured his expertise into the M6GT project. Each vehicle has posed distinct engineering challenges, with Grubb mastering the intricacies of aluminum fabrication through hands-on experience with tools like the English wheel and planishing hammer. However, the McLaren stood out as a test of his skills, pushing his creative boundaries beyond anything he had previously tackled.
The Allure of Can-Am Racing
Can-Am racing represents the height of unrestrained automotive innovation, according to Grubb. “This was not a time of homologation and sameness, like we see today,” he notes. Instead, it was marked by fierce competition and groundbreaking designs. With 67 gallons of fuel surrounding drivers, the stakes were high, demanding discipline and precision; a factor that made the racing environment both dangerous and exhilarating.
The M6GT, originally intended as a limited series of 250 street models derived from McLaren’s M6 Can-Am race car, aimed to adapt the chassis while introducing an enclosed body. This adaptation would allow McLaren to homologate the car for Group 4 competitions, paving the way for participation in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tragically, this ambition faced a major setback following the untimely death of Bruce McLaren in 1970 during a test run. The project was shelved, and the number of units produced dwindled drastically.
A Chassis Built for the Ages
Grubb’s affinity for mid-engine cars ignited at the age of ten when he sat in a DeTomaso Pantera. This passion translated into a discerning collection, including sacrifices to acquire a Ford GT40 replica and eventually initiating work on a McLaren M8E replica. While he initially considered fabricating a chassis by himself, he quickly realized his artistic skills lacked the engineering precision required for such a task.
With the support of McLaren expert Bill Moir, Grubb embarked on rectifying this challenge. Bill's expertise proved invaluable, particularly when Grubb discovered an M6GT chassis lingering in Moir’s shop for nearly four decades. Initially interested only in helping sell the chassis, Grubb soon found himself drawn into a deeper restoration project. As Grubb sifted through Moir’s collection, he unearthed more M6GT parts — the critical suspension components needed to bring the dream closer to reality.
Reproducing the original design was paramount. Every detail followed Bruce McLaren's specifications: new front A-arms and rear lower A-arms were crafted to mimic the originals, with the notable addition of rear toe adjustments for enhanced maneuverability. As Grubb reflects, “My car is rivet correct, blueprint correct,” thanks to Moir’s access to the original drawings.
Transaxle Selection
A chance conversation led Grubb to a crucial component — a Hewland LG 500 Mk II transaxle from a fellow hot rodder, Dennis Varni. The transaxle required minimal work but had originally been designed for an Indy car, meaning adjustments were necessary for street performance. Grubb replaced a locking differential with a road car-appropriate limited-slip variant, appreciating the availability of parts from Hewland to maintain the vintage component.
For the clutch, Grubb chose a McLeod dual-disc setup after consultations with experts familiar with his vehicle's demands. This decision reflected a delicate balance — offering both performance and street usability, which has been beneficial during early testing.
Body and Windshield Challenges
Among the most serendipitous moments during the build came when Grubb learned of an M6GT body available from the late Jose “Joe” Casanova, who had been a friend and mentor in the automotive community. The weathered fiberglass body, which had sat exposed for years, presented a real gamble. Yet, upon its arrival at Grubb's shop, the fit onto the aluminum chassis proved surprisingly seamless, eliminating fears of extensive modifications.
Addressing the significant gaps in the assembly required for road legality was a challenge Grubb tackled head-on, particularly finding proper glass components as California regulations avoided Lexan windshields. With help from industry contacts, he located compatible glass for the M6GT — critical for final assembly.
Powering the M6GT
True to the original vision, Grubb's M6GT carries a small-block Chevrolet engine, meticulously rebuilt by local V-8 specialist Rick Harper. The engine's history traces back to a Lola T70, offering robust performance potential. It features a few upgrades, such as an offset ground crank and a slight overbore, boosting displacement and output. The assembly process revitalized existing components while prioritizing performance reliability.
The highlight remains the quad Weber 48 IDA carburetor setup, elegantly engineered to maximize airflow and adjustability. Grubb recalls, “Webers are the best carburetors ever designed,” valuing their infinite adjustability that grants the driver extensive power control, whether on the street or the track.
Exceptional Aesthetics
While the engineering behind the M6GT could easily overshadow its appearance, Grubb's artistic vision extended into the paintwork. Collaborating with well-known painter Tommy Carr, Grubb initially sought a vintage look reminiscent of the wild ‘70s paint styles. Ultimately, the final product emphasized finishing and gloss—showing off the car’s curves and graphic design beautifully.
With input from Grubb, Carr layered colors through careful pinstriping and intricate masking techniques to create a stunning overall look, clearly reminiscent of classic Can-Am aesthetics. The final design, composed of vibrant hues like orange, yellow, and purple, retained a unique identity whilst conveying the car’s bold racing lineage.
Driving Experience and Future Aspirations
Despite its stellar construction and beauty, the M6GT has not been without its challenges. Early track sessions revealed some transaxle idiosyncrasies, necessitating further adjustments. Nevertheless, Grubb remained excited about the raw mechanical sensation and performance offered by the Hewland system, even as he learned to master its quirks.
Strong braking performance, courtesy of racing pads, blended with fast steering and an overall responsive design offers an exhilarating driving experience. Grubb recalls, “I wanted the real driving experience, not an almost, not a kind of, but the actual,” echoing his commitment to authenticity in this dream project.
Ultimately, Grubb's journey with the M6GT represents more than just a restoration; it symbolizes a personal obsession with craftsmanship and respect for automotive history birthed from passion. With his sights set on sharing this vehicle and its stories, he hopes to inspire a new generation of builders, cementing the connection between past and future in the automotive world.
To Grubb, the M6GT is more than just a car—it is a testament to determination, creativity, and the thrill of pushing an idea to fruition. With plans to partake in track days and share his experiences, his project carries with it a legacy deserving of Bruce McLaren’s vision, ensuring that the spirit of innovation endures.
