[2][3] The M8A was an evolution of the previous M6A design, and featured an all-aluminium seven-litre Chevrolet big-block V8 as a semi-stressed chassis member.

This arrangement allowed McLaren to run softer springs than would have been required had the massive rear wing been attached to the bodywork.

[6] The body was also widened in order to fit one-inch wider wheels, now 15 x 11 front and 15 x 16 rear.

[1] Bruce McLaren was tragically fatally injured in an accident whilst testing the M8D at the Goodwood Circuit on 2 June 1970, when his car crashed on the Lavant Straight just before Woodcote corner after a section of the rear bodywork came adrift at speed.

[2] Already known as "The Bruce and Denny Show" due to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme winning five of the six Can-Am races in the 1967 season, 1968 started off with an equally dominant performance by McLaren and Hulme in the new M8A at the Road America Can-Am race.

Following the double retirement, the team reduced the compression ratio of their engines to 12:1, from 13:1, trading horsepower for increased reliability.

[23] McLaren roared back with another 1-2 finish in Edmonton, but then could only manage second and fifth in rainy conditions at Laguna Seca.

[23] Bruce McLaren crashed the M8D on the Lavant straight just before Woodcote corner at Goodwood Circuit in England on 2 June 1970.

The loss of aerodynamic downforce destabilised the car, which spun, left the track, and hit a bunker used as a flag station.