Unique McLaren F1 from the Sultan of Brunei’s Collection Prepares for Auction
A Historic Example with a Royal History
An extremely interesting supercar will be presented at an auction in December. This is not the first McLaren F1 to appear on the market this year, but the peculiarity of this 1994 example lies in the fact that it was once part of the famous car collection of the Sultan of Brunei. It is expected to sell for over $21 million, making it one of the most expensive F1s in the history of public auctions.
Technical Features and Modifications
McLaren produced only 64 road-going versions of the F1, and this example bears chassis number 014. The car was originally painted titanium yellow with a black interior of leather and Alcantara. However, unlike other F1s from the Sultan’s collection, this car did not remain in his possession for long. It was sold to a buyer from the United Kingdom and later became owned by the former director of McLaren Cars, David Clark.
Gordon Murray so aptly criticized modern McLaren F1s that someone bought all five examples at once
The Car’s Journeys and Current Condition
After that, an unnamed collector from New York owned the F1 for approximately three years before it moved to California. In 2006, the car changed owners again and was sent to McLaren headquarters for a major overhaul. During this process, it was repainted in its current Ibis White shade and equipped with a rare aerodynamic kit that includes a large fixed rear wing, a front bumper inspired by the F1 GTR, and front louvres like those on the F1 LM.
Photo: Sam Chick/RM Sotheby’s
During the restoration, the car also received an updated exhaust system, OZ Racing five-spoke alloy wheels, and the interior was refitted to LM specifications. The total cost of the restoration exceeded $500,000. The car also bears the autograph of Lewis Hamilton, who signed it during the 2007 Formula 1 season. For most of the last decade, the car has been in the USA, but it is currently owned by an individual residing in Denmark.
Current Specifications and Accompanying Lot
This F1 is in excellent condition and has an odometer reading of 13,711 miles (22,065 km). It is being sold together with a Gordon Murray T.50 car, which is currently owned by the same owner.
Photo: Sam Chick/RM Sotheby’s
This auction lot demonstrates how the value of cars that combine a unique history, rare equipment, and a connection to famous personalities increases over time. The fact that it has the autograph of a Formula 1 champion and belonged to the legendary collection of the Sultan of Brunei makes this example particularly attractive to serious collectors. The sale together with a modern creation by Gordon Murray creates a unique opportunity to acquire two iconic cars from one of the most influential automotive engineers of our time.