Rare ONES - The history of the Ford Mustang is filled with many intriguing chapters, and one of the most unexpected involves a partnership that few would have predicted: Ford and McLaren. While McLaren is typically associated with British supercars, such as the iconic McLaren F1, it also had a brief yet significant collaboration with Ford in the 1980s. This partnership resulted in a highly unique version of the Mustang, demonstrating just how versatile and surprising the automotive world can be.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang was the result of a collaboration between Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and McLaren, creating a truly unique Mustang. (Picture from: AmCarGuide)
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ford was eager to revitalize the Mustang after the disappointing Mustang II. New emissions regulations were challenging the performance of many cars, and Ford needed a new way to capture attention. The solution? A collaboration with McLaren that would lead to the creation of a very special Mustang.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang was clearly a Fox Body however it benefitted from a serious styling revamp both inside and out, and it had a much more powerful engine under the hood. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
This wasn’t just any Mustang, though—it was designed to show off McLaren’s hand-built engine expertise alongside Ford’s robust aftermarket and motorsport parts catalog. The result was the Ford M81 McLaren Mustang, a car that would combine elements of both brands into a rare and captivating package.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang's exterior was striking, sporting a boxy, angular shape that reflected the design trends of the Malaise era. (Picture from: Silodrome)
McLaren, primarily known for building high-performance cars and racing machines, may seem like an odd choice to work with Ford on a Mustang. But their expertise in engineering and performance was what Ford needed to create something unique. The partnership wasn’t McLaren’s first foray into collaborations, as they had also worked with Mercedes-Benz to produce the legendary SLR series. Yet long before that, McLaren’s focus shifted to Ford, leading to the creation of the M81McLaren Mustang. The car’s aim was simple: to boost interest in a Mustang that wasn’t powered by the typical V8 engine but instead by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
The most noticeable styling change is the addition of wide IMSA-style fenders that gave the car a purposeful look and allowed the fitment of wider wheels and rubber. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Released in 1980, this special edition M81McLaren Mustang was built to highlight not only performance but also bold design. The exterior was striking, sporting a boxy, angular shape that reflected the design trends of the Malaise era. Its Bittersweet Orange color was particularly eye-catching, with seven out of the ten units produced being painted in this vibrant shade. But it wasn’t just about the looks—the car’s bodywork had been significantly upgraded to give it a more aggressive stance, marking it as something far different from the standard Mustangs of the time.
The interior of the Ford M81 McLaren Mustang was also upgraded, with Recaro seats, a Racemark steering wheel, a bolt-in roll bar, and Stewart-Warner instrument gauges. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Inside, the Ford M81McLaren Mustang featured a variety of enhancements to match its unique exterior. Recaro seats were a key addition, providing drivers with both comfort and support. A Racemark steering wheel, Stewart-Warner gauges, and a bolt-in roll bar were all part of the package, emphasizing the car’s sporty nature. These interior upgrades gave the M81 a distinct personality, one that stood out from other cars of its era.
This is the 2.3 liter turbocharged inline-four, originally produced 131 bhp however after McLaren were done with it it was making 175 bhp, and was capable of more still. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Under the hood, the M81McLaren Mustang wasn’t equipped with a large V8 engine, as many might expect from a performance-focused Mustang. Instead, it housed a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower—a respectable figure for the time. This engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. Although the horsepower may not seem impressive by today’s standards, it was a bold move in an era of increasingly restrictive emissions regulations.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang's handling was enhanced with Koni suspension, upgraded brakes, and Firestone HPR tires. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Despite its unique design and engineering, the M81McLaren Mustang struggled to find buyers. Ford had originally planned to build 249 units, but the high price tag—combined with the car’s relatively modest performance figures—meant that only ten were ever produced. This limited production run has made the M81 a highly sought-after collector's item today, with its rarity adding to its allure.
The Ford M81 McLaren Mustang's bodywork had been significantly upgraded to give it a more aggressive stance, marking it as something far different from the standard Mustangs of the time. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Though the car's 0-60 mph time of 9.76 seconds may seem slow compared to modern McLaren supercars, it was still an exciting performance for the era. The car’s handling was enhanced with Koni suspension, upgraded brakes, and Firestone HPR tires. These modifications ensured that the M81McLaren Mustang wasn’t just about straight-line speed but could also offer a balanced driving experience.| SIsYdlMA1HU |
While the original M81McLaren Mustang may not have been a massive commercial success, its legacy lives on as a fascinating chapter in the Mustang’s history. It was a bold attempt to create something different, blending Ford's American muscle with McLaren's precision engineering. In the end, it may have been too expensive for its time, but it remains a symbol of innovation and daring in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS | SILODROME | MOTORTREND | AMCARGUIDE | LMR ]
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While the original M81 McLaren Mustang may not have been a massive commercial success, its legacy lives on as a fascinating chapter in the Mustang’s history. It was a bold attempt to create something different, blending Ford's American muscle with McLaren's precision engineering. In the end, it may have been too expensive for its time, but it remains a symbol of innovation and daring in the automotive world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS | SILODROME | MOTORTREND | AMCARGUIDE | LMR ]
