The 1996 JGTC Legacy

When you think of the McLaren F1 GTR, you tend to think of its total domination at the 1995 Le Mans. Of the top five cars that finished, four were F1 GTRs, and the victor was F1 GTR #59, run by Japanese Racing Company Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing. The car was driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Japanese-born Masanori Sekiya. Not only did its victory prove that McLaren still dominated racing, but it also clearly highlighted the F1’s connection to Japan.

A year after LeMans, McLaren and Team Goh entered two F1 GTRs into the 1996 All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC). One of which was F1 GTR iconic #61 race number. It was painted in Rocket Pink and Tarmac Grey, it earned the nickname “Tiger Stripe” for its bold, aggressive design, a livery that would later become very popular in Japan.

The car was driven by David Brabham, son of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Jack Brabham, and experienced Danish racer John Nielsen. Though the F1 GTR didn’t win the championship that year, it would earn Brabham and Nielsen the Drivers’ Championship. And just a year later, the F1 GTR would secure an actual victory at the 1997 JGTCC, with Ralf Schumacher and Naoki Hattori driving the #7 GTR.

The McLaren 750S: The Most Traditional Supercar on Sale

By modern standards, the McLaren 750S is a complete dinosaur. Unlike most modern supercars, this isn’t a brand new platform, rather, it’s a facelifted, more powerful variant of the wonderful 720S that was launched nearly 8 years ago. As a result, it uses an un-hybridised 4.0l twin-turbo V8 as the 720S, but now with 750 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That means 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 206mph.

Certainly impressive figures, but compared to the modern technological computerised speed machines, it really doesn’t have anything on them. However, because it isn’t a hybrid, and like all McLarens, it is constructed almost entirely of carbon-fibre, it weighs a featherweight, 1,277kg. Combine this to the Aerodynamic upgrades include a reprofiled front splitter, a larger active rear wing, and improved underbody airflow, and the results are wonderful.

This is a car that doesn’t wallow or pitch, but corners with the precision of a flea. Plus, with no hybrid, it feels immediate, poignant, exciting, and deadly. It is the only modern supercar to feel like an actual racing car, which certainly makes it stand out amongst its hybrid peers, despite costing $330,000. As a result of its racecar feel, McLaren have exploited by releasing several race-inspired examples, like the 50-build LeMans Edition 750S, earlier this year.

The 750S JC96: Celebrating the 1996 Inaugural JGTCC

And now there’s this, the 750S JC96, a car that celebrates the inauguration of the old GTR into the JGTCC. This car’s design is customised by McLaren’s Specialised Operations, their bespoke inhouse personalisers. MSO invites each of the lucky 61 JC96 owners the chance to personalise their cars to extraordinary levels. This particular 750S is exclusive to Japan and Japan only meaning standing out is a top priority.

The JC96 Kit is offered on both the Coupe and Spider variants of the 750S and includes a larger dual-element splitter, a raised active spoiler, and a louvred underwing panel to increase downforce by 10%. The car also showcases new 15-spoke “Delta” Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels, F1 Gold brake callipers featuring bold red McLaren logos, and natural titanium finish highlights in the central-exit sports exhaust.

Inside the JC96, there’s an Alcantara interior, Gold-finished pedals, Drive Select switches, and a dedication plaque that connects the driver to the F1 GTR’s racing spirit. MSO will even hand-paint four 750S JC96s with a paint inspired by JGTCC, one of which is named the “Tiger Streep” theme. Buyers can also by the add the McLaren Track Record Plaque, a titanium piece mounted in the front luggage compartment.

McLaren 750S: A Brilliant Car with a Bleak Future

There’s no denying that, like the standard 750S, be it in JC96 guise or Le Mans guise, is a fantastic car. Fast, light, and exciting, capturing the spirit of the old F1 GTR. However, there is one issue, and it isn’t so much with the car more McLaren. See, it's no secret that the modern crop of supercars are all hybrid tech 1000 horsepower monsters, not a non-hybrid facelift on what was a brilliant game-changer.

McLaren haven’t announced any new models since the W1, not even an Artura LT. Despite them dominating this F1 season, there’s no growth or ambitions in the company as of yet. Not to mention a majority of modern McLarens are slower than their competition, and there’s been no announcement of a replacement. There’s no denying the 750S JC96 honours a legend, but it doesn’t leave the future bright at McLaren. Love the 750S, but it doesn’t fill me with much confidence about McLaren’s future.

F1rstMotors Facts and Figures

Manufacturer	McLaren Automotive Ltd
Model	750S “JC96”
Year of Release	2026
Engine	4.0l Twin–Turbo V8
Horsepower	765 horsepower
Torque	590 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	2.7 seconds
Top Speed	206mph (332 km/h)
Weight	1,277 kg (1.3 tonnes)
Power to Weight	571 hp per tonne
Gearbox	7-speed Dual Clutch
Driven Wheels	Rear-Wheel-Drive
Amount Built	61

Source: McLaren