The McLaren F1 needs no introduction, but this particular example — 97th of the total 106 built, and just one of the 64 road cars made — is a little bit special. Chassis No. 59 stands out for multiple reasons, notable because it is the only car to leave the factory with the revised headlight selection that sees the British hypercar sport lights from the equally unique BMW Z1, subsequently solving the F1’s problem of lacking high-quality lighting at night — something you’d probably want, given this car can hit a once-record-holding 240 MPH.
Further helping this car stick to the ground safely is the fact is was regularly serviced by McLaren Special Operations in its early years, leading to it being fitted with the sought-after High Downforce Kit. A new set of 18-inch rims also altered the appearance of the car in its early years and, alongside the body kit, still remain fitted to the F1 today.
With that in mind, this is one incredibly special F1. However, all of this goodness is made subtle thanks to a timeless “Magnesium Silver” over a black Alcantara and leather interior colorway. Only 16,400 miles are shown on the clock, meaning the F1’s incredible BMW S70/2 V12 engine — which produces 618 HP, 479 lb-ft of torque and can hit 60 MPH in 3.2 seconds — is in perfect running order.
When the car came out in the ’90s, prospective owners had to pay at least $1,000,000 USD for the right to buy an F1. Today, you’d struggle to find one for less than $20M USD (one sold for a record $20.5M in 2021, and another for $19.8M in 2019). This particular example will likely fetch more given its provenance in the F1 lineage. Take a look at the car above and find out more on the RM Sotheby’s website, where it’ll head to auction on August 18-20.
Elsewhere, Hypebeast got behind the wheel of the Bentley Continental GT Speed. Here’s what we had to say.
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