by Unique McLaren F1 Prepares for Record-Breaking Sale
This car is one of seven officially imported to the USA McLaren F1s in the Magnesium Silver color scheme. A special feature of this particular example is the replacement of the standard fuel tanks with aluminum ones, making it unique among other models. The car has also received a number of updates, including a new air conditioning system, a sport exhaust system, and new tires.
Historic Deal with McLaren Collection
Tom Hartley Jr. has successfully completed the sale of an impressive 20-car McLaren collection that belonged to Mansour Ojjeh. The entire collection was acquired by a single mysterious buyer who possesses significant financial resources. Among the cars were the last built McLaren F1, several rare Senna models, P1 GTR, Speedtail, and other automobiles that are usually only seen in photographs.
Tom Hartley called this deal “one legendary collection, one historic sale.” He emphasized that the Ojjeh family and his team were committed to the idea of keeping the collection together, which became a tribute to a person with great vision and a passion for cars.
Although the buyer’s name and the exact amount of the deal have not been disclosed, it is assumed that the collection was sold for tens of millions of dollars.
Potential Record-Breaking Sale of McLaren F1
The car seen in the photo could become the most expensive McLaren F1 ever sold at auction. Thanks to its low mileage and associated history, it could be sold for over $23 million. This estimate reflects the high demand for the British supercar among collectors.
This car was initially delivered to Oracle founder Larry Ellison in August 1997. For over a decade, it was owned by Ellison, yet the mileage amounted to less than 2,600 miles. Later, the car changed owners twice but remained in the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently, its mileage does not exceed 6,500 miles.
Well-Preserved Condition and Upgrades
Around 2012, the car was sent for service to McLaren in the UK, where it received new radiators and an updated air conditioning system. Special aluminum fuel tanks and a sport exhaust system were also installed. The car has retained the original instructions, luggage set, cover, service modem/laptop, and wheel nut tool.
Perfect Condition and Future Auction
In October 2023, the car was sent to McLaren Philadelphia, where the gearbox was repaired, and new tires and spark plugs were installed. Minor repairs were also carried out on the gold foil in the engine bay. Recently, the windshield was replaced with an original one from McLaren Special Operations.
Due to meticulous maintenance over the decades, the car looks almost new. The exterior and interior are in perfect condition, with all original materials and parts. However, since the sale is taking place through the RM Sotheby’s Sealed auction program, the final price may remain unknown.
The sale of cars like the McLaren F1 continues to demonstrate growing interest in rare models among collectors. This particular example, with its unique history and perfect condition, will undoubtedly become one of the most valuable lots in the world of automobile auctions. The preservation of original parts and low mileage make it especially attractive to those who value authenticity and rarity.
