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In the world of motorsport, few events hold as much prestige as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1995, McLaren made history by clinching the overall victory with its F1 GTR race car, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s illustrious racing legacy. This year, Lanzante, the British motorsports and engineering company, is set to celebrate this remarkable achievement with an exciting new project that promises to capture the spirit of the original F1.
A historic win that changed the game
The 1995 race was a thrilling spectacle, with seven McLaren F1 GTRs battling it out on the track. The number 59 car, driven by the talented trio of JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya, crossed the finish line first, showcasing not just speed but also the reliability of its BMW-sourced V-12 engine. While other prototype race cars may have had the edge in raw speed, the McLarens proved that endurance and engineering excellence could triumph in one of the toughest races in the world.
Project 95-59: A tribute to a racing legend
As part of the 30th-anniversary celebration, Lanzante has unveiled Project 95-59, an ambitious endeavor to create a bespoke supercar inspired by the legendary McLaren F1. This new vehicle will feature a unique three-seat layout with a center-mounted driver, reminiscent of the original F1 design. While specific technical details remain under wraps, the project promises an impressive power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower for every 3.2 pounds, ensuring exhilarating performance.
Looking ahead to the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Anticipation is building as Project 95-59 is set to make its official debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, scheduled for July 10-13 in the U.K. A teaser photo released by Lanzante hints at a modern design that draws inspiration from the McLaren P1, thanks in part to the involvement of designer Paul Howse, who played a pivotal role in the P1’s creation. This fusion of classic McLaren heritage with contemporary design elements is sure to captivate automotive enthusiasts around the globe.
While production numbers for this limited-edition supercar have yet to be disclosed, the excitement surrounding Project 95-59 is palpable. With a history of transforming McLaren models into extraordinary machines, Lanzante is poised to deliver a vehicle that not only pays homage to the past but also sets the stage for the future of high-performance supercars.