McLaren Formula 1 Team driver, Lando Norris, takes in the custom build before departing for Circuit of the Americas in the car. Photos – courtesy of eBay ©
eBay has launched an exciting collaboration to celebrate the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s remarkable 2024 season, unveiling a custom-built project car that fuses the power of classic American muscle with McLaren’s on-track excellence. This tribute to both motorsport and car culture is crafted with components sourced entirely from eBay’s expansive marketplace, making its debut at the US Grand Prix after McLaren’s first win of the season in Miami. The spotlight shone brightly as McLaren driver Lando Norris drove the specially modified car to the Circuit of the Americas, offering fans and automotive enthusiasts an exclusive sneak peek before the thrilling race weekend.
“eBay and McLaren Formula 1 share a strong connection: a shared passion for cars and motorsports, driven by dedicated communities,” said Chris Prill, General Manager of eBay Motors. “To commemorate McLaren’s outstanding season, we wanted to deliver a tribute as iconic as their performance—a one-of-a-kind build only eBay could create. This car, fully outfitted with parts from our marketplace, is our way of celebrating their success and showing our appreciation to McLaren fans worldwide.”
The car features its original powertrain and produces a signature American sound enhanced by performance headers and an exhaust system.
Among the modifications to the iconic car is a conversion to a coilover front and rear suspension system for improved handling.
eBay sourced the vehicle from its marketplace. What started as a near-stock, understated classic became a papaya-hued, performance-first restomod.
For this bespoke project, eBay selected a 1970s muscle car—an emblem of American car culture—to serve as the base. Starting with a near-stock version, the car was then transformed with high-performance upgrades inspired by McLaren’s innovative Formula 1 engineering, using parts available through eBay’s platform. These modifications include:
Coilover front and rear suspension conversion
Forged front and rear disc brakes
Retro wheels and tires
Performance headers and exhaust system
Motorsport-style bucket seats
Classic wood steering wheel
Modernized headlights, taillights, and side markers
“We’ve been thrilled to work with eBay on this custom build for the US Grand Prix,” said Matt Dennington, Co-Chief Commercial Officer of McLaren Racing. “It’s a fun and exciting way to bring McLaren’s racing spirit to life within the heart of American car culture, and we can’t wait to share it with fans in Austin and around the world.”
eBay announces a special collaboration project car – built with trusted parts from the marketplace – to recognize the McLaren Formula 1 Team and its outstanding on-track results so far this season.
The 1973 Plymouth Barracuda, draped in McLaren’s signature “papaya” orange, now stands as a fusion of motorsport and classic automotive history. Though the Barracuda is no longer in production, it remains an iconic muscle car adored by enthusiasts. The car is on display at the eBay x McLaren F1 Team Garage in the Fan Field at the US Grand Prix, where fans have the opportunity to vote on final touches like wheels, tyres, and the steering wheel. Throughout the weekend, attendees will witness these final modifications come to life in real time, creating an interactive, dynamic experience that celebrates McLaren’s legacy and car culture.
