McLaren M23
Gordon Coppuck's long-lived McLaren that won 16 Grands Prix and world titles for Emerson Fittipaldi and James Hunt.
- Power
- 465 bhp
- Est. value
- $1.2m
About the McLaren M23
Gordon Coppuck designed the M23, with input from John Barnard, as a development of McLaren's M16 Indianapolis car, using the M19's rear suspension and Cosworth DFV engines prepared by Nicholson-McLaren. Denny Hulme put it on pole first time out in 1973, and he and Peter Revson won three races that year. Emerson Fittipaldi joined from Lotus for 1974 and gave McLaren its first Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, and James Hunt won six races and the 1976 title in the M23D. Steady development, including a six-speed gearbox in 1975, kept it competitive into early 1977, when it was still taking pole positions as a four-year-old design.
McLaren M23 specs
The McLaren M23 produces 465 bhp (347 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque.
| Make | McLaren |
|---|---|
| Model | M23 |
| Years | 1973–1978 |
| Type | Race car |
| Body style | Open-wheel single-seater |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 13 built |
| Engine | 3.0L naturally aspirated V8 (Ford Cosworth DFV) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,993 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 465 bhp (347 kW) at 10,800 rpm |
| Torque | 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (Hewland FG400), 6-speed from 1975 |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 575 kg (1,268 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 809 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a McLaren M23 worth?
A typical McLaren M23 is estimated to be worth $1,190,000 (about £887,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
McLaren M23 rarity in CarSpot
The McLaren M23 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
McLaren M23 fun facts
- Thirteen chassis were built, numbered 1 to 12 and 14; there was no number 13 because it was considered unlucky.
- Gilles Villeneuve made his Grand Prix debut in an M23 at the 1977 British Grand Prix.
- Chassis M23-2, Peter Revson's 1973 British Grand Prix winner, later won the 1977 Australian Drivers' Championship in Formula 5000 form for John McCormack.
