Photo: Andrei Diomidov courtesy of RM Sotheby's
Remembered as one of the greatest marvels in the automotive world, the McLaren F1 continues to fascinate more than two decades after it went out of production. On this occasion, an ultra-rare model auctioned for a mind-boggling $19,805,000 at the 2019 Monterey Car Week.
Only two such cars were ever made, referred to as the F1 LM-Spec which translates to the racing engine from the F1 GTR and the extra-high upgrade. The wider wing, different wheels, and extensive history of serial number 18 makes this vehicle a collectible among collectibles.
Even though it’s the most expensive McLaren ever auctioned, it should be mentioned that the pre-auction estimate was $21,000,000 at the least, $23,000,000 tops. RM Sotheby set it, but as it happens, nobody was prepared to pay so much money on such a legendary car.
Featuring 680 horsepower, platinum silver paintwork, and cream leather upholstery, the BMW-engined blast from the past also happens to be a bit lighter than the bog-standard model. A crown jewel among automotive royalty, the F1 LM-Spec also features louvers over the front fenders and a deeper front splitter to improve handling and the aerodynamics.
F1/018 also comes with invoices from 2007 forward, including one for an evaluation by the experts at McLaren Special Operations. The LM in LM-Spec takes its roots from the McLaren F1 GTR which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans against all odds, finishing the exhausting endurance race one lap ahead of the Porsche 935 of Courage Compétition.
The car started out life as a Midnight Blue model with a black interior, but then again, the LM-Spec is on a different level altogether from the F1 we all know and love. As a blue-chip investment and driver’s car, there’s no denying this fellow here will continue to serve as a Sui Genesis of the automotive world and as a reminder of the passion at McLaren back in the early 1990s.
Even though it’s the most expensive McLaren ever auctioned, it should be mentioned that the pre-auction estimate was $21,000,000 at the least, $23,000,000 tops. RM Sotheby set it, but as it happens, nobody was prepared to pay so much money on such a legendary car.
Featuring 680 horsepower, platinum silver paintwork, and cream leather upholstery, the BMW-engined blast from the past also happens to be a bit lighter than the bog-standard model. A crown jewel among automotive royalty, the F1 LM-Spec also features louvers over the front fenders and a deeper front splitter to improve handling and the aerodynamics.
F1/018 also comes with invoices from 2007 forward, including one for an evaluation by the experts at McLaren Special Operations. The LM in LM-Spec takes its roots from the McLaren F1 GTR which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans against all odds, finishing the exhausting endurance race one lap ahead of the Porsche 935 of Courage Compétition.
The car started out life as a Midnight Blue model with a black interior, but then again, the LM-Spec is on a different level altogether from the F1 we all know and love. As a blue-chip investment and driver’s car, there’s no denying this fellow here will continue to serve as a Sui Genesis of the automotive world and as a reminder of the passion at McLaren back in the early 1990s.
Google News