McLaren’s 1995 Le Mans Win

In 1995, McLaren debuted the F1 GTR, the race-going version of their game-changing, mind-boggling legendary supercar the F1. Their plan was simple, to prove that they were the dominant force in racing. They had just lost Ayrton Senna, their golden driver a year earlier, so the F1 GTR certainly had its work cut out.

Yet at the 24 Hours of LeMans, F1 GTR #59, run by Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing, driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya took the overall win. This whole event was a clean sweep for McLaren. Out of the top 5 victors that year, four were F1 GTRs, clearly proving that even without Senna, McLaren still were masters at racing.

Why the McLaren 750S was the perfect choice for this celebration

Today, most production supercars are fully-fledged hybrids. Cars that are not only powerful but heavy due to their monstrous batteries that deliver their colossal firepower. In fact, when it comes to fully fledged, non-hybrid, purely petrol, mid-engine dream machines, there are only two.

The rather mid Maserati MC20, that we at F1rstMotors have still not managed to sell, despite fitting our Venom Cerberus kit to. And the McLaren 750S. Launched in 2023, this wasn’t so much a new car, more so a facelifted variant of the brilliant 720S. Similar to how the F8 range is more or less a facelifted 488 GTB.

It is also the final-purely petrol-powered car made by McLaren. It features the same 4.0l twin-turbo V8 as the 720S, but now with 750 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. With launch control engaged, it sprints from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 206mph.

Now obviously performance-wise, this thing doesn’t hold a candle to a Lamborghini Temerario or a Ferrari 296. But where it outshines them is in its handling and weight. You see thanks to the carbon tub that is unanimous amongst McLarens and the lack of any heavy batteries, this car weighs a featherweight 1,277kg. That’s lighter than a Toyota Corolla.

Aerodynamic upgrades include a re-profiled front splitter, a larger active rear wing, and improved underbody airflow. Combine all this together, and what you have is just about the most purposeful supercar ever. It glides from corner to corner with the precision, delicacy and tactfulness of a Ballerina.

And thanks to the way McLaren have synced the gearbox with the engine, it explodes out the corners with a gusto and excitement that none of its hybrid competitors can match. Sure at $330,000, the 750S is jolly expensive, but the fact it’s the only petrol-powered production supercar that can hold a candle to its hybrid rivals speaks volumes.

And it’s for that reason, McLaren chose the 750S as the perfect candidate to celebrate this anniversary. It’s the closest of McLaren’s current line-up to what the original F1, was. Light, tactful and with a performance unparalleled to any of its rivals.

Le Mans Edition Changes

McLaren plans on building only 50 750S Le Mans editions, each fitted with a newly developed High Downforce Kit. This MSO-crafted package includes a large front splitter, roof scoop, louvred under-wing panel and a raised active rear spoiler. This package increases downforce over the regular 750S by 10%.

The LeMans edition comes with a choice of two liveries, McLaren’s famous Orange which was used to debut the 12C and LeMans Grey, the colour used on the #59 F1 GTR. This car’s style is enhanced with Five-spoke LM wheels with a Stealth finish, F1 Gold brake callipers, gloss carbon-fibre details, titanium exhaust tips, a sculpted roof scoop and LeMans Branding everywhere.

Inside we find carbon-black Alcantara with either Dove Grey or McLaren Orange inserts, all furthered with LeMans branding on the headrests and floormats with a dedication package. Options also include a full-gloss visual carbon-fibre package, a track brake upgrade and even a track record plaque mounted in the front luggage compartment, listing McLaren’s 1995 Le Mans victory.

Looking Ahead: McLaren’s Return to Le Mans in 2027

This car’s launch couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only does the 750S Le Mans look back to the past but also forward to the future. McLaren are planning to get back in the Le Mans game either through a new bespoke hypercar or by racing its GT3 EVO 750S’ in the GT3 category. Both these are expected to be revealed in 2027.

Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, McLaren’s Chief Commercial Officer stated, “The 750S Le Mans marks not just 30 years since our debut victory in the iconic race but an exciting time for the brand.” And it certainly is. McLaren might not be a perfect car maker, but ultimately they are a passionate company dedicated to producing the best-performing supercars of them all.

F1rstMotors Facts and Figures

Manufacturer	McLaren Automotive Ltd
Model	750S “LeMans”
Year of Release	2025
Engine	4.0l Twin–Turbo V8
Horsepower	765 horsepower
Torque	590 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	2.7 seconds
Top Speed	205mph (330 km/h)
Weight	1,339 kg (1.3 tonnes)
Power to Weight	571 hp per tonne
Gearbox	7-speed Dual Clutch
Driven Wheels	Rear-Wheel-Drive
Amount Built	50

Source: McLaren