by A Unique Auction Lot
In the rarefied world of the most valuable supercars, few names carry as much weight as the McLaren F1. Just months after a road version of this model changed hands for an incredible $25.3 million in Abu Dhabi, another special F1 specimen is being offered at auction.
This model is even rarer—it is one of only 28 GTR versions built, later converted for road use. It may not match the result of the previous sale, but expectations still exceed the $20 million mark.
Racing History and First Owners
This particular F1 GTR with chassis number 27R was initially purchased by London financier David Morrison, who at the time also owned a McLaren F1 LM. The car competed in the FIA GT Championship, driven by Gary Ayles and Chris Goodwin. The latter later became a key test driver for both McLaren and Aston Martin.
The car secured victory in its first race during the opening round of the British GT Championship on April 6, 1997, before heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There, 27R was leased to the Japanese GT team ‘Team Lark’ and received a special livery for the event. Although the F1 did not finish that race, it continued to compete in the 4 Hours of Silverstone and the 4 Hours of Nürburgring.
From Private Ownership to Criminal Case
The following year, Morrison sold his F1 GTR to another Briton, James Munro. Soon after, suspicions began to arise regarding the source of his wealth. As it turned out, he headed the accounting department at McGraw-Hill and reportedly embezzled nearly £3 million ($4.1 million).
Law enforcement arrested him and seized his assets, including the McLaren, which was eventually sold at auction in 2000.
Life After Racing
Since then, the supercar has passed through several enthusiasts and was converted for road use by Lanzante over ten years ago. It has remained with its current owner since 2018 and is one of only three F1 GTRs to win their debut race—a detail that sets it apart even among elite company.
The sale is being conducted by auction house RM Sotheby’s, which estimates the car in the range of $18 to $21 million. It retains its original, chassis-number-matching BMW V12 engine and is fully registered for road use in the UK.
So, this is truly a Le Mans veteran with a debut victory and a somewhat scandalous history, now driving with license plates.
This upcoming auction sale once again confirms the McLaren F1’s status as an absolute automotive icon, whose value is determined not only by the technical genius of Gordon Murray but also by the unique history of each specimen. The fact of converting a racing machine into a road car makes this model particularly interesting for collectors seeking a combination of historical significance and practical usability. The story with the criminal background of a former owner only adds a layer of drama to this car, transforming it from merely an expensive machine into an object with a rich biography, which undoubtedly influences its auction appeal and final price.
