New guy M81 McClaren

[BillyLo]

I’m new to this site. I found a M81 in a Pine thicket in East Texas. Looking forward to finding some experts for help.


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[85GTGuy]

Welcome to the site. You'll find plenty of helpful people here.

Regarding the car you acquired.... I don't think that it is an actual M81 McLaren. I believe the VIN shows that car to be a 1982 Mustang with a V8 engine. Ford only made M81's in 1980 and 1981. And they all came with turbo 2.3L engines.

However, Ford did sell kits of the bodywork and, optionally, other M81 components, allowing dealers, or even individuals, to build a replica of an M81 McLaren Mustang. That may be what you have.

Here's a 1980 magazine article about the diy parts...

[Chuck W]

Come on now. You can't just pop into the site and say "I have an M81 McClaren" and not post pics.

[Two86fiveoh's]

Is this the one that's been on Stangnet for over a week?

Nice score!! Looks like it needs a full resto.

[FoxChassis]

It may be a "DSO" car but it is not an M81, which all had a 1980 VIN with a carb 2.3L turbo engine.