As far as supercars go, few embody the kind of legend that the McLaren F1 still does to this day. It was the first road car produced by the racing team, the fastest thing on the road (by some margin) in its time, and remains one of the most sought-after vehicles among collectors.
Unfortunately very few were imported to the United States and federalized to US regulations. Only seven out of the 64 made, to be specific. This was not just one of them – it was the first. The owner who imported it 22 years ago has held onto it ever since, but now he's putting it up for auction.
Chassis number 044 was actually the 37th McLaren F1 built, painted silver with a black and grey Connolly leather interior, and adapted to US regulations by Ameritech. Fortunately the modifications made to meet those regulations were all reversible, and the Mac was returned to original factory specifications immediately after passing the necessary tests. And so it remains today, completely unmodified, but meticulously and professionally cared-for by McLaren and by BMW North America throughout its life.
The vehicle has only 9,600 miles on the odometer, about half of which was accrued after the owner picked it up from the factory, and with two of his best friends, took it on an epic road trip from Woking through France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It still has its original luggage set, detailing kit, tool roll, mechanic's gloves, owner's manual, documentation, and everything else that came with it from the factory.
It's not every day that a McLaren F1 comes up for sale, let alone one so well preserved. So you can bet that when Bonhams drops the gavel on August 18 at the Quail Lodge, 044 will have achieved an eye-wateringly yet suitably stratospheric price. Just look at the thing, for crying out loud, in the extensive gallery of photos and the video below, provided for your viewing pleasure courtesy of Bonhams.
Photo Gallery
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