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  Mirage M6 Weslake Coupe      

  Article Image gallery (24) M6/300/603 Specifications  
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Country of origin:Great Britain
Produced in:1973
Numbers built:1
Designed by:Len Bailey
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:March 27, 2017
Download: All images
Chassis: M6/300/603
Completed early in 1973, this Mirage M6 was built specifically for the new Ford-backed, Weslake developed V12 engine. Clothed with the familiar open bodywork, it was used in practice for the Daytona 24 Hours but ultimately not raced. Now fitted with a slippery coupe body designed by Len Bailey, it re-appeared for the Le Mans test. Driven by Derek Bell, it clocked the third fastest time but despite being fitted with the sleek coupe body, it proved slower down the straights than the open sister car, which was powered by the Cosworth DFV. It was ultimately decided to set the car aside and both the V12 engine and the striking coupe body were not seen again. One of the issues was that no two of the V12 engines were alike and the output varied quite a bit. This was even subject of a lawsuit between the team and Weslake, during which a V12 engine was bench tested. At that time, it did indeed produce the promised 460 bhp.

The unique Mirage was ultimately never raced but did survive. Presumably sold along with the rest of the team to Harley Cluxton, the one-off M6 Coupe then spent many years in North America. Early in 2017, it was acquired by the ROFGO Collection and repatriated to the United Kingdom. The car arrived a week before the 75th Goodwood Members' Meeting where Group 6 cars were celebrated. While the car was in full running condition, it was decided to give it and the very rare engine a thorough check before running it. Even though it sat as a static display in the paddock, it was one of the absolute highlights of the event.


Chassis details
Manufactured in 1973
First owner Gulf Resarch Racing Co.
Last known location ROFGO Collection
Appearances

2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting
2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting
2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting
2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting
2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting
2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting

  Article Image gallery (24) M6/300/603 Specifications