The McLaren F1 was the most exciting supercar of its time, and not many cars since have had its level of panache. Now it could be yours (or somebody’s, anyway) as McLaren Special Operations Heritage division is selling one of the last F1s ever built, a 1998 model with under 3,000 miles (4,828 km) on the odometer.
It may not be the prettiest supercar ever crafted and it hasn’t been the fastest supercar in over a decade (though it does still own the fastest naturally aspirated car title). Still, there’s something about the McLaren F1 that sends our hearts aflutter, even 20 years after its reign.
One of six F1s hand-built in 1998, the last year of F1 production, and 106 built at all (64 were road cars), the sale model carries the chassis number 069, which may add some extra appeal for some buyers. The UK-registered car has been maintained by McLaren Special Operations and is said to be in factory condition, its odometer resting comfortably below 2,800 miles (4,506 km).
This F1 features a Carbon Black body with subtle detailing and 17-in center-locking magnesium wheels with a stealth finish. The famed central driver’s seat is done up in black and red leather, while the two passenger seats are black Alcantara.
Under the hood, the 627-hp (468-kW) 6.1-liter BMW V12 has been woefully underworked during its near-20-year career. It’s clearly waiting for the right boss to take over and instil some form of proper work ethic.
The car comes complete with fitted luggage, a complete Facom titanium tool kit and toolbox, all the appropriate books and literature, including the correctly numbered LM Edition of the “Driving Ambition” McLaren F1 book, and a limited edition McLaren F1 owner’s watch.
MSO Heritage doesn’t list the asking price, but to put you inside the ballpark, an F1 took the number 30 spot on our list of most expensive cars of all time, with a 2013 auction price of US$8.47 million. Since we published that list in November 2014, the F1 has climbed higher – chassis #073, a 680-hp (507-kW) LM specification model, was auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s for $13.75 million in Monterey last August.
Source: McLaren
