McLaren - the cars, the history and a chateau

One of the off-track highlights of the Magny-Cours weekend was a relatively rare(these days at least), McLaren-hosted evening at which Ron was present. On this occasion the team entertained the British press at the spectacular Chateau de Prye on Friday night. This is a sumptuous pile once owned by the Queen of Poland about half an hour's drive from the track set in its own parkland, complete with baying cows.

We were invited for the launch of a superb new book "McLaren - The Cars 1964-2008" which offers a complete pictorial and technical/historical guide to every car built by McLaren. It starts with the McLaren M1A in 1964 and goes all the way through the decades, via some of the best(MP4/4) and worst(M28) cars, up to this season's MP4/23 (which seems to be a pretty good one).

The book is a thing of beauty which would provide everyone who reads this blog with hours of enjoyment. It contains over 750 photographs of excellent quality - especially the studio shots of the cars - and the general standard of finish is excellent. There are some whacko machines in it, among them the M7C and M7D and a lot of cool looking rockets on wheels like the M14. The very latest cars stack up pretty well, looks wise. Apparently there is one car missing - the ground effect version of the M26(we can forgive them that, I guess).

On hand at the chateau was the photographer William Taylor who wrote the text and took the pictures, travelling all over the world to do so. Also there was the book's editor David Tremayne of the Independent who helped knock a mammoth work into shape. We had a nice evening at which McLaren's new communications director Matt Bishop made a useful debut on the hosting front and was joined by an immaculate-looking Ron who spoke about the long history of a great company which, he said, was "bigger than any one individual." He also admitted that, along the way, McLaren had built some terrible cars but some very good ones too.

The crap photographer(EG) was on hand. Below are a selection of pictures showing the chateau; Ron and Matt talking; a picture of the superb poster we were given alongside a copy of the book(signed by Ron, Martin, Heikki and Lewis); and a couple of other shots - the book and (the legendary) Alan Henry having a look through it. For the bon viveurs, I was the "designated driver" that evening so the wine passed me by. The food was excellent and was laid out on a vast table in the dining room where we helped ourselves. For the record, the chateau is also a hotel and is the home of a huge golden retriever called Valdek who kept us company(pictured with the moderator). The cows, by the way, were either irritated by Ron or impressed by him because they made a lot of noise when he was speaking.

 

The book is available as follows:
Websites: www.mclarenshop.com and www.coteriepress.com
It will also be available via the Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes merchandise areas at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. ISBN: 978 1 902351 32 2 Standard Edition (£39.95 on www.mclarenshop.com). ISBN: 978 1 902351 33 9 Limited Edition (£69.95 on www.mclarenshop.com)

The Chateau de Prye's website is info@chateaudeprye.com
    

Comments

[Anon (the real one)]

Maybe I'll buy the book. I wish Ferrari had one out, though, I think it would be more interesting, there a more classic team with more years of history and more interesting drivers (Ascari, Fangio, Prost, Lauda, Regazzoni) who drove them...

Nice thread Ed, “the crap photographer” is improving consistently. Very nice pics of the Chateau!

I’ve seen in the pic of the Mc Poster a quote that says: “I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone”, but I cannot read who is the author.

[Ed Gorman]

The inscription "I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone" is attributed to Bruce McLaren in 1964.

[Hank]

Why no picture of the retriever Ed?

[Ed Gorman]

OK Hank, pic of the retriever coming up...

[Richard]

Ed - "The book is a thing of beauty which would provide everyone who reads this blog with hours of enjoyment"

As it's about McLaren, I'm not sure everyone on this blog would derive their enjoyment from actually reading the book!

ANON -

There are already many books about Ferrari's history, as I'm sure you're aware. It's a pity they're usually so expensive though!

Ferrari undoubtedly has the most interesting history of the current F1 teams but I think this is largely down to the length of time they've been competing, and to Enzo Ferrari himself. Since Enzo's death, a lot of the mystique seems to have died too.

Enzo Ferrari's time was characterised by periods of great success followed by long championship droughts, controversy, conflict with the governing body, fighting between his own drivers, drivers leaving the team under a cloud, etc.

Since the old man passed away, the team's character has changed, for better or for worse.

These characteristics seem to have resurfaced at McLaren, and, strangely, they started around the time of Enzo's death, with Senna and Prost. Maybe Ron Dennis is Enzo Ferrari's spiritual successor?!

[nicki, california,usa]

Ed, this is one of your finest blogs; you are very observant, however, one thing is missing: a picture of the mooing cows!

[David Hodge]

When "The Bish" joined McLaren, what did he do with his shirts? The example he is wearing there is very restrained against those he used to wear when he invariably popped up behind Martin Brundle on the gridwalk.

[Maurizio]

So Ed, when are you going to put the book on eBay ;)

[Gary M]

Cheers for that Ed, I never knew that there was such a thing as a McLaren shop! Like I really need somewhere else to extend my credit card limit on items I really do not need.

Mrs M is going to be so happy about the stuff that will be winging its way down under soon. I am quite taken by the Lewis Hamilton Monaco helmet, though a little out of my price range I think. A few bottles of the McLaren Merlot might have to do instead, something to toast LH's drivers championship this year perhaps?

Anyway, was that a photograph of the crap photographer's new Apple Mac Book Pro by any chance? Have you really joined the club???

[McCheets (formerly McLaren treated badly?)]

Ron Dennis the spiritual successor to Enzo? The terms 'character' and 'McLaren' are hardly synonomous! At least not under Ron's tenure.

The contribution that McLaren has made to F1 can not be denied, and its success is remarkable, however the team can never conjure up the sentiments associated with Ferrari.

Did Megabyte Matt have any new dodgy dossiers to issue?

[Anon (the real one)]

I won't hide that I really dislike Ron Dennis so to say he is close to the great Enzo Ferrari is a hard swallow for me.

How 'bout Frank Williams, he seems like a nicer guy who's really worked hard at his job.

unfortunately, it is super-difficult to create this sort of Ferrari culture and team spirit. Todt was good at continuing it, and Briatore did it well until Alonso left.

Theissen might make a new kind of that kind of wonderful band of brothers spirit, but of a different kind.

[Richard]

@ MCCHEETS and ANON - I was wondering who was going to take the bait on my post about Ferrari, I'm not surprised Mccheets did, but I'm rather surprised at you Anon, I thought you'd realise it was said with tongue in cheek.

I'm not sure why Frank Williams would qualify just for being a nice guy though. I don't think being nice gave Enzo Ferrari his legendary status. He was more synonymous with controversy and creating conflicts between his drivers, and between the team and the drivers.

[McCheets (formerly McLaren treated badly?)]

RICHARD

I would like to think that you were attempting to wind people up, but there is no doubt that you meant every word of it.

[Richard]

@Mccheets - 'there is no doubt that you meant every word of it'

You're making the assumption that I think it's a compliment to call someone Enzo Ferrari's spiritual successor (in respect of the attributes I listed in my earlier post)

[McCheets (formerly McLaren treated badly?)]

RICHARD

I get the impression that you are the sort of person who enjoys listening to Phil Collins!

[MAN FROM THE PHOTOCOPY SHOP]

Enzo Ferrari and Frank Williams, they both have all my respect.

[Richard]

@Mccheets - 'I get the impression that you are the sort of person who enjoys listening to Phil Collins'

I'm more a fan of his dad Peter actually. He should have been F1 world champion in 1956 but he handed his car to Fangio at the Italian GP after Fangio's broke, and with it, he also handed the title:

"This selfless, team-orientated action gained Collins immense respect among the Italian racing tifosi, and the gratitude and admiration of Enzo Ferrari himself, a man notoriously hard to please. In his double-biography of Collins and Mike Hawthorn, "Mon Ami Mate", Chris Nixon describes the ensuing relationship between the English driver and his Italian boss as being almost like father and son from this point on"

Father and son? You don't hear that very often about a team boss and his driver, do you?

[MAN FROM THE PHOTOCOPY SHOP]

@Richard:
"I'm more a fan of his dad Peter actually. He should have been F1 world champion in 1956 but he handed his car to Fangio at the Italian GP after Fangio's broke, and with it, he also handed the title"

Peter Collins, who died at the German GP (1958), has nothing to do with Phil Collins mate. They may share same surname but that's all! Are you getting confused Richard?

http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_story/1768:2199/1/Phil_Collins.htm
His father was an insurance salesman. Not a F1 driver!

“Father and son? You don't hear that very often about a team boss and his driver, do you?”
Well, recently yes, err... Ron and Lewis?

[Richard]

@Man from photo....

You really need to get out more. Did you really think I was being serious in saying that Peter Collins was Phil Collins' father??!!

And your last comment - 'Well, recently yes, err... Ron and Lewis'

Duh, why do you think I made the comment about fathers and sons in the first place? Clearly, my posts are a little too subtle, I'll try to make them simpler in future!!

[Weasel]

Dear Ed

I know this will come as a startling revelation to you and I hate to shatter your illusions, but actually, hounds bay, cattle low and cows moo.

[IDR]

@WEASEL

And for this case, cows moo erratically!

I think safety cow was also invited to this event...

...by McLaren.

[McCheets (formerly McLaren treated badly?)]

RICHARD

Bravo!

[CHIUNDA]

Just that Ron Dennis looks very fit for a man of his age - wouldn't mind looking that fit when i am his age - i am definitely riding 100 miles this weekend.

[MAN FROM THE PHOTOCOPY SHOP]

@Richard:..."You really need to get out more. Did you really think I was being serious in saying that Peter Collins was Phil Collins' father??!!"

I beg you to accept my most sincere apologies. You see, I am still under the effects of the Moët & Chandon left from the French GP, and some bottles that we still have from last year's Ferrari 250 GTO 45th Anniversary in California. Actually, I think I should go out less than I do...

"Duh, why do you think I made the comment about fathers and sons in the first place?"

I am glad that you recognise that Ron Dennis is like a father for Lewis. That would explain why Lewis had a "special" treatment last year. At the end of the day, a father will always give the best to his son...others come in second place...

Best wishes...I'm opening another bottle on the 6 July

Howebver, be careful because some people may think that you are now playing excuses. and who could blame them?

[Richard]

@ Man from photo...

You may have a point - but if you keep your visor down, the bubbly can't reach your lips!

Your sense of irony seems to have escaped you on this subject though. There have been numerous derogatory remarks about Ron Dennis's paternal relationship with Lewis Hamilton, posted by people who would undoubtedly respect Enzo Ferrari. So I find it quite ironic that that Enzo did the things that Ron is getting vilified over. Just because I recognise that these comments have been made by others doesn't mean I 'recognise that Ron Dennis is like a father for Lewis'.

I don't doubt that they do have a close relationship, but the father and son thing is a little silly in my view. I don't see it's much different to the relationship he had with Senna or Hakkinen but I'm sure some of you will be keen to disagree...

[McCheets]

RICHARD

I must start off by offering my full apologies for linking your name with one of the most egregious vocalists of all time, Phil Collins. Your use of wit and irony have demonstrated that you are a too discerning for such bland, aurally-excruciating, drivel.

I agree with you regarding the relationship between Ron and Lewis. I think that it is fairly similar to Hakkinen's. Perhaps it is slightly deeper because Ron has played a role in Hamilton's entire career, but if Ron were playing the role of dad then I think that Anthony, whose constant appearance on ITV really is unnecessary would have said a thing or two about it now.

[Richard]

Thanks Mccheets, I had to do something to address the awful slur of being called a Phil Collins fan!

I think RD's bond with Mika Hakkinen was forged after his crash in Adelaide.

I'm sure many of us are fed up with seeing shots of Hamilton Snr during a GP but it isn't his fault. I've noticed Massa's dad getting some attention too. They used to do it with Button Snr as well, and look where it's got Jenson! Personally, I'd much rather they give us shots of the drivers' wives and girlfriends than their fathers!

[McCheets]

RICHARD

I came close to suggesting that you were in all likelihood a Phil Collins fan with a penchant for 80s Volvos, but I realised that nobody deserves to be insulted in such a manner, even if it was a case of jesting!