Makes › McLaren › M23 (1973-1977) · Coachbuilt · 1973–1977 Ultra Rare
McLaren
M23 (1973-1977)
McLaren's 1973-77 Formula One car, of which 13 chassis were built; Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1974 World Championship in one.
Still being researched: identification guide, full specifications. Everything shown is checked against the cited sources. Know more? Send us a source.
Photo: Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 2.0
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 13 Built
- Years
- 1973–1977
- Engine
- Not yet verified
- Power
- Not yet verified
- Top speed
- Not yet verified
- Body
- Not yet verified
- Designer
- Gordon Coppuck for McLaren
- In this archive
- Not yet verified
- Surviving
- Not yet verified
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
The M23 carried Emerson Fittipaldi to the 1974 World Championship, described as the first World Championship for the McLaren marque. It was assembled cleverly, joining the monocoque of the 1972 Indianapolis-winning M16B with the suspension of the M19.
How rare is it?
Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.
Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.
Photos
Exterior, interior and detail photos with their licences.
McLaren M23 (1973-1977) (Wikimedia Commons search)
Photo: Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 2.0
McLaren M23 (1973-1977) (Wikimedia Commons search)
Photo: Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 2.0
McLaren M23 (1973-1977) (Wikimedia Commons search)
Photo: Lothar Spurzem · CC BY-SA 2.0
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02Production & history
Production
Every figure says what it counts.
| What is counted | Figure | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total model productionM23 chassis built (Numbers built) | 131 | Factory production | Independently researched |
Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.
History
The M23, designed by Gordon Coppuck, debuted in the third race of 1973 in Yardley colours, with Denny Hulme taking pole in its first two races and winning seven races into the season. Peter Revson added two more wins that year.
For 1974 Texaco-Marlboro backing brought Fittipaldi to the team; development included a three-inch longer wheelbase, two inches more track and the rear wing moved forward 10 inches, and Fittipaldi clinched the title at Watkins Glen.
Variants
How each version differs from the standard M23 (1973-1977).
No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
03Specifications
Technical specifications
Engine
| Engine manufacturer | Cosworth DFV2 Independently researched |
|---|---|
| Engine family | Not yet verified |
| Engine code | Not yet verified |
| Layout | Not yet verified |
| Displacement | Not yet verified |
| Bore | Not yet verified |
| Stroke | Not yet verified |
| Compression ratio | Not yet verified |
| Fuel system | Not yet verified |
| Power | Not yet verified |
| Power at | Not yet verified |
| Torque | Not yet verified |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Gears | Not yet verified |
| Driven wheels | Not yet verified |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | Monocoque from the 1972 Indy 500 winning M16B, with the Cosworth DFV used as a stressed member3 Independently researchedDescribes the M23 chassis as built, not a base-model figure. |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Not yet verified |
| Rear suspension | Not yet verified |
| Brakes | Not yet verified |
| Steering | Not yet verified |
| Body construction | Not yet verified |
| Wheelbase | Not yet verified |
| Length | Not yet verified |
| Width | Not yet verified |
| Height | Not yet verified |
| Front track | Not yet verified |
| Rear track | Not yet verified |
| Kerb weight | Not yet verified |
| Dry weight | Not yet verified |
Performance
| Maximum speed | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Not yet verified |
| Fuel tank | Not yet verified |
“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.
04Colours & options
Factory colours & interiors
Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Factory options & codes
Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
05Individual cars
Chassis register
Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Competition history
Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Auction & sale history
Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
See one in person
Museums where an example of this car can be seen.
No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
06Reference
Identification guide
How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
-
1
McLaren M23 Cosworth - Images, Specifications and Information Level C
- 13 M23 chassis built (Numbers built)
-
2
McLaren M23 Cosworth Level C Ultimatecarpage.com
- the Cosworth DFV engine on the other hand could be used as a fully stressed member
-
3
1973 - 1977 McLaren M23 Cosworth - Images, Specifications and Information Level C Ultimate Car Page
- the monocoque of the 1972 Indy 500 winning M16B
- could be used as a fully stressed member
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