It’s most likely that you’ve never heard of the 1982 McLaren Mustang

This is the 1982 McLaren Mustang, but you’ve likely never heard of it before.

Some cars are household names, whereas others aren’t as immediately recognizable.

Then there’s some that have been completely forgotten – if they were ever well known at all.

The M81 McLaren Mustang DSO is one such car.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

The 1982 McLaren Mustang – why has it been largely forgotten?

The story begins back in the early 1980s when Ford was looking to get into motor racing.

They brought on Gary Kohs for the job, who in turn contacted his artist friend, Harry Whikes.

Harry and Todd Gestenberger drew up a design and then asked the McLaren Engine team to build it for them.

Per reports, Rob Fournier and Bob Fehan built a prototype in steel and Ford was taken with it.

The plan was to make 250 of them, each one going for $25,000 [$100,000 in 2024 terms].

However, the plug got pulled on the program when only ten were made.

Despite the project being shelved, Ford was still a fan of the original prototype so had some V8 engine show cars made.

And that’s where the 1982 McLaren Ford Mustang comes into play.

Powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, this car can generate 400hp.

This isn’t the first time a vehicle from the 1980s has been left by the wayside – just look at this revolutionary truck that could have changed history.

This revolutionary 1980s truck also disappeared after its unveiling.

The return of a forgotten gem

The M81 recently appeared on the YouTube channel, Autotopia LA.

We have to say, it drives like a modern car and has been kept in commendable condition over the years.

Derek Whitacre is the man who brought it for the viewers to see.

He’d been fantasizing about owning one ever since he saw it on the cover of a magazine in December 1980.

Well, mark your calendars, because October 2024 is when you guys start dreaming of having one.

It’s quite the flex to have a car after longing for it over the years.

This dad received a nice surprise when he was given back a Chevy Impala he had sold 20 years earlier.

To see this majestic 1982 McLaren Mustang in its glory, head over to the the Autotopia LA YouTube channel.