[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.

The wing mounting pylons passed through the bodywork to attach directly to the suspension uprights.

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

[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.