McLaren Rolls Into US Grand Prix Weekend With Stunning Plymouth Barracuda Restomod

McLaren’s Surprising Muscle Car Entry

As the Formula One world gears up for the U.S. Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, McLaren has taken an unexpected turn. Instead of unveiling a new race car or a hypercar like the W1, the team has revealed a 1973 Plymouth Barracuda, fully customized for their star driver Lando Norris. The iconic muscle car, painted in McLaren's signature Papaya Orange, is the result of a partnership between McLaren and eBay Motors, with a series of upgrades that combine the essence of American car culture with modern-day performance.

Extensive Aftermarket Upgrades

Starting with a near-stock 1973 Barracuda, eBay modified the car using components sourced from its own marketplace. Performance upgrades include Mopar coilover suspension at both ends, along with Wilwood disc brakes and new brake systems. Additionally, the car received ceramic-coated performance headers and a 2.5-inch exhaust, ensuring the 340-cubic-inch V-8 engine can breathe freely. With these enhancements, the Barracuda now offers far better handling and stopping power than the original '70s model, transforming it into a car that fits a modern performance standard.

Classic Look with Modern Comforts

The blend of old and new continues inside the Barracuda. The car features a Momo Heritage California wood steering wheel, paying homage to the muscle car era, while new racing bucket seats from the Corbeau A4 line ensure Lando Norris can experience a sportier, more secure ride. The interior is finished with new rugs, mats, and wood paneling in the center console, creating a cockpit that retains its retro aesthetic but feels far more advanced than its 1973 counterpart.

A Personal Experience for Norris

Lando Norris is no stranger to high-performance vehicles, but driving a classic American muscle car was a new experience for him. "I'm used to the sportier, sleeker race cars, and this is almost the opposite of that," Norris remarked when comparing the Barracuda to the supercars he's more familiar with. With a personal collection that includes McLarens, a Lamborghini Miura, and a Porsche Carrera GT, the Barracuda gave Norris a taste of something distinctly American. The modified suspension and braking systems added confidence when driving the car, as he noted, "When you want to push it, there's that confidence and knowledge that things are up to the spec they need to be."

A Fitting Entrance to Austin

As Norris rolled into Texas for the U.S. Grand Prix in this revamped Barracuda, the choice of car seemed perfect for the occasion. Austin, known for its lively F1 atmosphere, feels like the ideal setting for a vintage muscle car, which stands in stark contrast to the sleek and futuristic vehicles of the Formula One paddock. Norris himself acknowledged the rowdy but fun nature of the crowd, saying, "Austin always turns into one of the most fun and best atmospheres because the people are a little bit more crazy, in a good way." The Barracuda, with its roaring V-8 and vintage style, fits right into the Texan culture of big and bold.

McLaren and eBay’s Collaboration

McLaren and eBay Motors first partnered earlier this year, and the Barracuda represents one of their more unique collaborations. Every part of the car, from the engine upgrades to the classic American Racing wheels, was sourced through eBay’s marketplace. The project wasn’t just about performance—it was about merging two automotive cultures. As McLaren Racing Co-Chief Commercial Officer Matt Dennington put it, “We’re excited to have been working with eBay to bring this modified vehicle to life ahead of the United States Grand Prix this weekend.”

A Memorable Weekend for Fans

For Formula One fans lucky enough to be in Austin, the Papaya Orange Barracuda will be on display at the McLaren/eBay garage throughout the Grand Prix weekend. Fans can not only check out the car up close but also vote on potential future modifications. This unique collaboration between McLaren and eBay serves as a nod to both the world of F1 and American car culture.

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