Mclaren's famous win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 was unprecedented: not only was the McLaren F1 GTR essentially a road car competing against purpose-built prototype racers, it was also the first entry by McLaren in one of the toughest endurance races in the world. Against all the odds, McLaren took the chequered flag, finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th. We remain the only manufacturer to win the race at the first attempt.

2015 marks the 20th anniversary of this historic victory, and to celebrate the win McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has announced a new, limited edition model, the McLaren 650S Le Mans. Only 50 examples of this special car will be built, and all will be coupés.

The new car is unmistakably inspired by the famous No.59 F1 GTR that won in 1995 – one of the ‘crown jewels’ in McLaren's heritage collection, and on permanent display at the McLaren Technology Centre. Hence the new 650S will be finished in a metallic Sarthe Grey exterior paint colour, and will feature unique ‘Le Mans Edition’ lightweight wheels. Functional enhancements include a roof-mounted engine induction ‘snorkel’ and subtle louvres on the front wings, both iconic details found on the original F1 GTR. The new car also features a carbon fibre front splitter, rear bumper and Airbrake, plus MSO-developed extended side blades and rear diffuser. Inside, the 650S Le Mans is finished in leather and Alcantara, and features race inspired seats with Le Mans logos stitched into the headrests.

The new car has been developed by MSO in consultation with Peter Stevens, the celebrated British designer who styled the original McLaren F1. Stevens describes the result as ‘a fantastic homage’ to the 1995 Le Mans winning car.

The new McLaren 650S Le Mans will be available globally, and deliveries are expected to begin by mid-2015.