Chassis 2A003, the third Type 2, had met with great success (6 wins in only 13 starts) before some of the new innovations of the Type 2C, most notably the rear 'Flipper' Wing, were applied to it. The 2C made its debut on October 10, and just a few short weeks later, the 2/2C would roar to victory at Riverside on October 31, 1965.
The Los Angeles Times Grand Prix at Riverside was the biggest race of the year, drawing FIA competitors from far and wide. Over the first 38 laps, the beautiful white car moved up from 4th to the head of the field as Hansgen, Grant and Bondurant fell by the wayside. Excellent judgment and pace kept McLaren from closing the gap.
This result marked the first of three consecutive victories for the 2/2C in the most prestigious race on the calendar.