The M26 was designed in 1976 and comparing to ground effect cars introduced in 1978 look obsolete. For 1978 the car was updated by Gordon Cpppuck, and during the mid-season extensive redesign in attempt to turn the M26 into a partial ground effect car was performed. McLaren drivers in 1978 were James Hunt and Patrick Tambay, who came in place of Johen Mass. After promising start of the season lot of retirements followed and the best finish of the season was 3rd place in the French Grand prix achieved by 1976 World Champion James Hunt. McLaren raced in Löwenbräu livery in Montréal and Watkins Glen in 1978, as well as in Long Beach in 1979. Back then, McLaren sponsor Philip Morris owned the Miller Brewery company which was in the process of rolling out its Bavarian Löwenbräu beer brand, thus justifying the car’s change of livery for F1’s North American races.
| Season | Series | Event |
| 1978 | F1WC | USA East GP |
| Driver | No. | Entrant |
| Patrick Tambay | 36 | Arrows Racing Team |
| Scale | Manufacturer | Collection |
| 1:43 | Minichamps | |
| Cat. No. | Quality | Rarity |
| 530784398 | 
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1656 pcs. Limited Edition
formula143 