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McLaren Automotive replaced McLaren Cars in 2010. Originally founded in 1985, McLaren Cars released the iconic McLaren F1 in 1992. From 1994 to 2010, McLaren Cars was registered as a 'dormant company'. The establishment of McLaren Automotive in 2010 marked a new era, initially separate from existing McLaren entities to attract investment. However, in July 2017, the companies merged after Ron Dennis sold his shares in McLaren Automotive and McLaren Group.

McLaren's Formula One founder, Bruce McLaren, was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1937. He developed his engineering skills at his parents' service station and workshop. By 15, he had won his first race in an Austin 7 Ulster. In 1958, Bruce McLaren moved to the UK under the 'Driver to Europe' scheme, aimed at helping Australian and New Zealand racers compete in Europe. His mentor, Jack Brabham, introduced him to Cooper Cars, a small team based in Surbiton, Surrey. McLaren started his Formula One career in 1958 and joined the team a year later. At age 22, he won the US Grand Prix, becoming the youngest Grand Prix winner at that time. He remained with Cooper for seven years, securing three more Grand Prix victories and other notable wins, including the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ford.

In 1963, Bruce McLaren founded Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. A year later, the company built the first true McLaren race car, the M1, with 24 customer cars produced by Elva. Its successor, the M1B, led McLaren to dominate the Can-Am championship with 43 victories, almost three times more than Porsche. The first McLaren Formula One car, the M2B, debuted at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1965.

Bruce McLaren was also involved in designing and testing a prototype M6GT, a lightweight sports car with an estimated top speed of 165 mph and a zero to 100 mph time of eight seconds. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 1970 before the prototype could be completed.

For more insights, explore these top 10 McLaren facts, take a McLaren factory tour, and learn about the McLaren factory location, drivers, and warranty. Find out about the McLaren factory tour price and details on the McLaren factory tour 2024.