McLaren chose a historical theme for the introduction of its 2013 MP-28, producing an F1 launch that’s actually worth watching. 

Is there any event in the automotive world more ridiculously overwrought than an F1 car launch? Here at Mac’s Motor City Garage, we tend to view these dog-and-pony shows as a responsibility: We watch this stuff so you don’t have to.

But this time around, McLaren chose a compelling historical theme for its launch, including some important cars from the constructor’s storied past. Along with the new Mercedes-powered MP4-28 for drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez, machines rolled out at the McLaren Technology Centre ceremony included:

+   M8D, the all-conquering Can-Am racer in which Bruce McLaren tragically lost his life

+   M23, a winner of two F1 world titles with Emerson Fittipaldi and James Hunt and competitive for an astonishing four seasons

+   MP4/4, winner of 15 of 16 races in the 1988 F1 season and vessel for the Prost/Senna rivalry.

+   F1 GTR, the McLaren F1 road car-based 1995 LeMans winner

+   MP4/13, winner of 9 wins and 12 poles in 1998 and F1 world title winner with Mika Hakkinen

+   MP4-23, Lewis Hamilton’s mount for this 2008 championship season

Additionally. McLaren teased the new P1 road car, showing off a test mule in camo wrap. Here’s the video.