2013 marks McLaren‘s 50th birthday. The name is synonymous with excellence on the road and the brand is a reference when it comes to competitions.

At the end of this anniversary year, the car manufacturer aims to have 50 retail outlets throughout the world, in time for the release of its new supercar P1.

The company was created in 1963 by the 1960 Formula One runner-up, New Zealander driver Bruce McLaren. It all started during the Tasman Series before spreading to Can-Am, F1 (from 1966), the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans and each time McLaren was victorious.

Its founder’s death in 1970 did not prevent McLaren from reaching success, especially under the leadership of Ron Dennis at the start of the 1980s.

He set up McLaren Cars, an upmarket GT car manufacturer. In 1993, its first supercar, the McLaren F1, was a hit.

Since then, the 12C and the 12C Spider have confirmed that McLaren touring cars have exceptional sporting capabilities.

In 2012, at the Paris Motor Show, the manufacturer unveiled its new P1 which will go on sale this year as a way of celebrating the brand’s landmark anniversary. McLaren will officially celebrate its 50th birthday on September 2, 2013.