A 1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car with chassis 27R has been put up for auction. The car is estimated at $18–21 million. This is one of 28 F1 GTRs built and one of ten in the 1997 Longtail body specification. This is reported by RM Sotheby’s.
The model retains the original 6.0-liter BMW V12 Type-S70/3 engine. In 1997, this version received new aerodynamics with an elongated body, a sequential six-speed X-trac gearbox, and a reduced weight of 915 kg.
1997 McLaren F1 GTR: Racing History of Chassis 27R
The car was fielded by David Morrison’s Parabolica Motorsports team. In its debut race at the 1997 British GT Championship at Silverstone, the crew of Gary Ayles and Chris Goodwin secured a victory. This was the first win for the Longtail version.
That same year, 27R competed in nine FIA GT rounds, finishing in the top-6 at Silverstone, the Nürburgring, and Spa-Francorchamps. The car was also entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of Team Lark McLaren. Drivers included, among others, Stefan Johansson, Gary Ayles, and Chris Goodwin.
In 1999, the car returned to British GT with the AM Racing team, competing in five races. The car was later sold and subsequently restored by specialists Lanzante Limited, who adapted it for road use and ensured its registration in the United Kingdom.
McLaren F1 GTR Auction: Condition and Maintenance
In 2018, 27R passed to its current owner. In February 2025, Lanzante Limited performed comprehensive maintenance costing over $67,000.
The car comes with a package of spare parts and a full history. It is registered in the United Kingdom and can be used both on public roads and at track events such as Le Mans Classic or the Goodwood Festival of Speed.