McLaren M23

McLaren M23
McLaren M23D

Emerson Fittipaldi in the McLaren M23 at the 1974 British Grand Prix.
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorMcLaren Racing
Designer(s)Gordon Coppuck
John Barnard
Ray Stokoe
PredecessorM19C
SuccessorM26
Technical specifications
ChassisAluminium monocoque.
Suspension (front)Double wishbone, with inboard coilover shock absorbers.
Suspension (rear)Double wishbone.
Axle track62 in (157 cm)
Wheelbase101 in (257 cm)
EngineFord-Cosworth DFV 2,993 cc (182.6 cu in) 90° V8, naturally aspirated, mid-mounted.
TransmissionHewland FG400 5/6-speed manual gearbox.
Power465 hp (347 kW) @ 10,800 rpm
280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) torque
Weight575 kg (1,268 lb)
Competition history
Notable entrantsYardley Team McLaren
Marlboro Team Texaco
Marlboro Team McLaren
Notable drivers Denny Hulme
Peter Revson
Jochen Mass
Mike Hailwood
Emerson Fittipaldi
James Hunt
Debut1973 South African Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF/Laps
83161410
Constructors' Championships1 (1974)
Drivers' Championships2 (1974: Fittipaldi; 1976: Hunt)
n.b. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to
Formula One World Championship Grands Prix only.

The McLaren M23 was a Formula One racing car designed by Gordon Coppuck, with input from John Barnard, and built by the McLaren team. It was a development of the McLaren M16 Indianapolis 500 car. A Ford Cosworth DFV engine was used, which was prepared by specialist tuning company Nicholson-McLaren Engines. This helped push the DFV's horsepower output to around 490 bhp.

A total of 13 chassis were built, with serial numbers 1 to 12 and 14. No number 13 chassis was built, as it was deemed to be unlucky.