“Life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.”

A 1969 McLaren M7C sits alongside today’s 12C Spider

When a 27-year-old Bruce McLaren penned these words in 1964, his new company – Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd – was less than a year old.

In those days, Bruce’s vision was shared by fewer than half a dozen loyal souls who slogged across the world to race his self-made cars. Nowadays, the McLaren Group employs more than 2000.

On 2 September 2013 the McLaren Group will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Its Formula One team has become a global household name. Since its arrival in the sport – at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix – it has won more races (182) than any other constructor, started from pole position 155 times and scored 151 fastest laps. In 2012, McLaren achieved the fastest-ever time for a Formula One pitstop (2.31s at Hockenheim), recorded its 58th consecutive points-scoring finish – an all-time record – and has now led more than 10,000 racing laps.

It’s all a long way from that small south London lock-up back in 1963.

Have a look at this superb piece of film:

Thanks Bruce..