Britain's McLaren could have remained a successful maker of race cars like Lola and Chaparral. Revered inside the pits and by motor sports fans outside them - but unknown in the world beyond.

Instead, the Woking-based firm recently evolved into one of Ferrari’s worst nightmares, and a household name into the bargain. Here’s how it rose above its peers and transferred the lessons it learned on the track to a growing line-up of world-beating supercars. And gave it the confidence and the cash to develop a new 250mph hypercar in the shape of the Speedtail (pictured). This is how it all began: