All posts in “mclaren f1”

McLaren F1 with unique headlights ready to make auction headlines

With Monterey Car Week coming up, we’re entering the high season for high-dollar auctions. It was just last August when a 1995 McLaren F1 with just 242 miles on it set a record at the Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach auction, selling for just under $20.5 million all-in. And we all know that in the past year the price of used cars has skyrocketed (OK, that’s a joke, we’re talking about an F1 here). But seriously, what price will RM Sotheby’s secure for what it’s billing as a “one of one” F1 that’s headed for the block Aug. 18?

The “one of one” aspect has to do with the car’s headlight configuration. Sotheby’s says chassis 059 of the 64 road cars built was the only F1 to leave the factory with this slimmer headlight arrangement that was meant to increase output. The auction house says headlights were the F1’s Achilles heel: “In night-time driving, output of the stock headlights was noticeably poor, not something that one wants to contend with at 240 mph.” This car was intended to rectify that, with headlight internals borrowed from a BMW Z1. McLaren later fixed the problem in other F1s by swapping and improving lamps within the original headlight housing, but leaving this example as you see it today. 

Now, is that enough to make this F1 truly unique? We’ll find out. The difference is subtle, if you compare it with last year’s sale, F1 No. 025, shown here:

The silver Sotheby’s F1 is a two-owner car. (The original buyer already owned F1 No. 017 but traded that one in for this car in April 1998; the second owner has had it for 10 years.) The car has less than 16,400 miles, which of course is a lot more than last year’s barely-even-sat-in example. Still, you don’t see one of these up for sale every day. Just, mostly, every August. 

Almost as interesting as the car itself is how Sotheby’s plans to sell it. The F1 will be sold “alongside” the Monterey lots, but instead of public bidding, it will be open to sealed bids, somewhat along the lines of the Bring a Trailers and Cars & Bids of the world. Once you’ve submitted, the house’s sealed-bid site will let you know where you rank. Minimum accepted increments for bids on a car in this stratospheric price bracket will be $50,000. Bidding will take place for 48 hours starting at 4 p.m. PDT Aug. 18. All in all, it’s not quite as dramatic as a gaveled live auction — but then again, a lot can happen, and a lot of money can be brought to bear, in 48 hours.

As for the more traditional auction, do check out the rest of the Monterey Sotheby’s catalog, which includes a perfectly purple 1993 Jaguar JX220 among its other delights.

Best Naturally Aspirated Cars Ever Made

Top 20 Naturally Aspirated Cars Ever

As a preamble, it is important to note the context and the era in which this list is being created. The automotive industry has already begun its transition towards a future dominated by electrically powered vehicles, with the vast majority of automakers aiming to have their entire lineups at the bare minimum, hybridized, before the turn of this decade.

Going back just a little further, the wheels were already in motion for the sweeping changes we’re seeing today. It can be argued that the first step towards a more fuel-efficient (and eventually, fuel-less) future started with the mass proliferation of turbocharged engines. For long before that, turbochargers were perceived as a centerpiece for many high-performance sports cars, which hardly had a reputation for being eco-friendly. However, with improvements in technology, their application evolved to that of a more widespread and economical nature.

We’ve already crested over the peak of this transition period in recent times; the likes of Ferrari and Porsche forgoing naturally aspirated engines in favor of the more emissions-friendly, forced-fed power plants. Today, we’re seeing the EV and high-performance hybrid taking the stage. The absence of the naturally aspirated automobile leaves a gaping void; one which will likely never be filled.

Suffice to say, the process of phasing out of the naturally aspirated engine has been long and drawn out but hardly subtle nor evitable. Now that process looks to be on a trajectory that is accelerating exponentially with perpetual improvements to EV technology, driven by the acknowledgement and acceptance of this changeover on a global scale.

This has brought us to a stage of reminiscing and nostalgia; our favorite atmospherically-strung power plants are soon to be a thing of the past. There was, is, and always will be, a lot to love about the most iconic NA cars ever produced – astronomically high revs, a satisfyingly linear power delivery, unparalleled aural soundtracks, instantaneous throttle response, underappreciated durability, and some of the world’s most epic displays of technology on four wheels.

Here are some of the best naturally aspirated cars made, ever, in no particular order.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the successor to the Ferrari F12 and is now the company’s fastest front-engined GT Car. Wrapped in a curvaceous Italian body and paired to one of the greatest chassis we have ever experienced, the 812 Superfast is one for the ages.

The 812 Superfast carries a new 6.5L V12 engine that delivers an astounding 789 hp @ 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm. The engine is still front-mid mounted, making the car that much more unique in the already crowded luxury grand touring segment. It can reach speeds of 340 km/h and can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

It features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, advanced active aerodynamics, and four-wheel steering. Despite the controversy that is sometimes associated with a Ferrari engine sitting in front of the driver, the 812 Superfast remains an absolutely engaging and soul-satisfying Ferrari experience every single time you get into it. The perfect car. The perfect Ferrari.

Porsche 911 R / Speedster

Arguably the purest form of the 911 model range, the 2016 Porsche 119R pays homage to the brand’s epic heritage with the most modern of concoctions. Providing a manual transmission alternative for Porsche’s range-topping-naturally aspirated model is what the 911R is known best for, but it ends up being so much more than just that.

It is the perfect blend of spartanism and elegance that you can call upon in the crowded lineup of 911 models. The absence of outrageous aerodynamics purposes the car more for canyon runs than Nürburgring records, but that’s also the beauty of it. For those who want the absolute best of the 991-gen 911 – without the obligation of having to prove its value on the race track – the 911R is undoubtedly a very proper and special car. 

The 911 Speedster is spiritually the convertible version of the 911R, following the same purist principles as its coupé counterpart. Released in 2019, it has some slightly newer tech and a bit more power too. Its schematic has forged a 911 with a silhouette based on the 4S Cabriolet body, carbon fiber bits borrowed off the 911 R, and front and rear bumpers from the GT3 Touring. That is not to say that there aren’t any unique offerings on the Speedster, with its shorter, more inclined windshield frame and lower fly-line being amongst its exclusive features.

Honorable mention: The 997 GT3RS 4.0, for being the grandfather of these cars.

Honda S2000

For many years, Honda’s beloved roadster held the distinction of producing the most hp per liter of any car on the planet via its F20C engine. Despite being a convertible, the S2000 is renowned for its rigid chassis, which helps to provide one of the most raw driving experiences one can have in a production road car. The slick 6-speed manual – the only choice of transmission – was a perfect match to the car’s 2.0L VTEC powerplant, which produced 240 hp and revved all the way up to 9,000 rpm. Later variants of the S2000 featured a strokered 2.2L engine which delivered more power in the lower rev-range and had slightly shorter gearing to improve acceleration.

Speaking of nostalgia, the Honda S2000 has found a way to tug at many car lovers’ heartstrings, with the used market completely blowing up over the last 10 years. Many examples are going for prices near brand new MSRP, with newer and more rare models (such as the CR) commanding even higher amounts. The Honda S2000 embodies everything that is awesome about a naturally aspirated sports car that is built around the driver; and now, many enthusiasts and collectors alike are seeking to own their piece of its brilliant history.

Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA features a naturally aspirated 4.8L V10 engine which produces 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That may seem rather modest in this age of 1,000 hp hypercars, but the LFA is more of an analog machine than most of those vehicles and is regarded by many as one of the best supercars from the last decade.

Lexus only made 500 units, and I assumed those 500 sold out quickly. I was wrong. Despite the fact that the automaker hasn’t produced the Lexus LFA since 2012, there are still seven brand new LFA models for sale in the US, according to CarscoopsWith all that said, the LFA came with one of the best V8s ever produced by a Japanese automaker. This makes the car ripe for following a similar fate to the Porsche Carrera GT, which didn’t sell well when it was first released before going on to establish a cult following many years later. I would imagine that someday these cars will be worth a lot more than their original MSRP. 

Dodge Viper ACR

Even if the Dodge Hellcat is hogging all the headlines these days, there’s always something you have to admire about the lunacy of having a two-seater sports car powered by a naturally aspirated 8.4L V10 engine. No, the Dodge Viper ACR doesn’t do subtlety very well. Yes, it does happen to fall under the ‘Old Testament’ definition of awesome.

With 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque being produced from that colossus of an all-aluminum engine, the Viper has the exhaust note of a semi-dormant volcano. It would make absolutely no sense at all if it weren’t just so damn fast.

Variants such as the SRT-10 and ACR-X took the road-going version of the car to the next level, with the latter being a turn-key, non-street legal race car that participates in Viper racing leagues around the world. The Dodge Viper SRT-10 in particular boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior, and bold exterior styling.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Collectively, the Ferrari 458 Italia is one of our most-loved vehicles here at supercars.net. You wouldn’t have to dive very deep to find out why that might be the case, as even just a cursory glance at the car is more than suggestive enough.

Whether it be its sleek and timeless Pininfarina design or its epic 562 hp naturally aspirated V8 engine with a 9,000 rpm redline; the 458 was destined for greatness the moment the first car drove off the production line. It has already become a modern classic. Let’s also mention that its F136-FB V8 engine provides one of the most thrilling soundtracks produced by any road-going vehicle out there, courtesy of an orchestra that octaves all the way to 9,000 rpm. Bellissima!

Such was the car’s influence that it would also go on to serve as the platform for the models which followed – namely, the 488 GTB and F8 Tributo – with the original spirit of the 458 Italia remaining intact and on full display through its successors.

Subsequent models and trims such as the Spider, Speciale and Challenge commanded varying degrees of premium in terms of performance, features, and price, over the original car.

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

The C8 Corvette serves as an example of keeping things simple and going back to what worked best. The previous-gen C7 Corvette Z06 was the first of its kind to feature a supercharged version of its V8 engine. While this certainly made it the most powerful Z06 ever produced, the force-inducted unit was widely susceptible to overheating issues on the race track.

Chevrolet has already confirmed that their upcoming Z06 – based on the new mid-engined C8 platform – will be reverting back to a naturally aspirated power plant. This will undoubtedly address most of the shortcomings of the outgoing Z06 and make it much more viable for track use.

While many Corvette enthusiasts were hoping for a return of the monstrous 7.0L naturally aspirated LS7 engine from the C6 generation, we’re currently being told to expect a 5.5L V8 flat-plane crank engine which will redline at close to 9,000 rpm and produce roughly 650 hp – around the same as the C7’s supercharged unit. This smaller, lighter engine will be an essential part of the new Corvette’s mid-ship design, and we can’t wait to see it.

Honorable mention: The C6 Corvette, for reminding Chevy that less can still do more.

BMW E36 M3

BMW has a long history of building amazing cars and an equally long history of powering those cars with awesome engines. There isn’t just one path to producing a great engine, and the folks at BMW have shown over the years that they are adept at trying new things and experimenting with technology to great effect.

The E36 M3 was the model that really launched BMW’s M division to the masses. It targeted the executive buyer who wanted performance but in a tamer package than the original E30 (which was more of a true enthusiast’s car). The second iteration of the M3 brought classiness and refinement that the first generation didn’t deliver.

With a 240 hp 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-6 that was silky smooth and rock-solid, the car had plenty of low-end power and was easy to drive right off the bat. Our pick of the lot is for the 1996 model year cars; the engines were upgraded to a 3.2L displacement, producing the same horsepower but with more torque than the original unit.

Honorable mention: The E30 M3 and E46 M3, for being almost as cool.

Honda Integra Type R

Known for producing legendary naturally aspirated engines and front-wheel-drive cars in its heyday, Honda built the Integra Type R to have both of those things. Nimble like a go-kart and durable like… well, a Honda… the Integra Type R was a popular choice for the weekend racer on a budget. The DC2 platform (1996-2001) is certainly the most popular, with its 4-cylinder B18C5 VTEC engine able to produce 197 hp @8,000 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque @ 5,700 rpm.  Already a classic because of these inherent characteristics, the Integra Type R is becoming a bit of a collector’s car.

Like the Honda S2000, the aforementioned DC2 ITR has created a bubble in the used marketplace, with many examples currently going for astronomically high prices. The newer DC5 (2001-2005) Integra Type R variants are far less popular as a whole, although their engines (K20A) are often swapped into the DC2 platforms. While the idea of doing so would irk preservationists, the K20A / DC2 combo is widely considered to be an all-around performance upgrade.

McLaren F1

Launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 would go on to revolutionize the supercar industry with many of its core characteristics still referenced in the production of today’s most exotic vehicles. It paved the way for increasingly mainstream use of materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar, and titanium in sports cars and was the first production car to use a monocoque chassis.

Designed by the legendary Gordon Murray, who had one goal in mind, the McLaren F1 was built to be the fastest and best-handling production car in the world. Namely, the ultimate road car – one that is enjoyable in everyday conditions while still at the zenith of road car performance.

To plug Honda and its enthusiasts, Murray has been less than coy when it comes to where he drew his inspiration for the creation of the F1. Indeed, it was the Honda NSX that set the precedence and direction for the F1 and its overall design directive, ultimately having a profound effect on the end product.

Furthermore, Murray initially wanted to leverage McLaren’s relationship with the Japanese automaker and had initially envisioned Honda supplying the engine for the McLaren F1. However, they would end up partnering with BMW’s M Division to commission a power plant exact to Murray’s desired specifications – he wanted an engine with at least 4.5L in a V10 or V12 configuration and without forced induction. 

This collaboration would end up being the catalyst in creating one of the best engines ever made – a naturally aspirated 6.1L V12 with 627-horsepower. Throughout the project, Murray was adamant about not using turbochargers or superchargers to achieve those figures, as he felt that this would help in emulating the resilience of the Honda NSX’s immensely reliable motor.

Ford Mustang GT350

The Shelby GT350 is a powerful yet nimble version of the Mustang that is equally at home on the race track as it is on the city streets. One of its most remarkable traits is its super high revving 5.2L V8 engine which redlines at an astronomical 8,250 rpm. The sport-tuned suspension is very capable on the circuit but refined enough for daily use.

The GT350R is available for those who prefer to have a more hardcore track-toy or weekend warrior via an even firmer chassis and a set of lighter carbon fiber wheels. Arguably better than its faster supercharged big brother, as it is a more balanced unit, with the NA engine making for a better feeling experience.

Our favorite version of the GT350 / GT350 R is the Heritage Edition. Ken Miles is best-known for driving the Ford GT at Le Mans to help Ford beat Ferrari. However, Miles also raced a 1965 Ford Mustang GT350 fastback on occasion. To commemorate this, Ford has rolled out a new Shelby GT350 and GT350 R in the same colors colorways as Miles’ race car. The car features a Wimbledon White paint job with Guardsman Blue stripes. The car also gets GT350 rocker lettering at the rear.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

In late July 2018, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ became the latest production car to break the lap record at the legendary testing ground that is the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It would be more than a month later before the car was officially unveiled to the public, during Monterey Car Week taking place in Pebble Beach, California. It was going to take nothing short of special to dethrone the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and Lamborghini’s new flagship car is something beyond even that.

Becoming a production car lap record holder at the ‘Ring takes a lot more than just a flashy paint job and hype. To power it’s way around this treacherous course, the Aventador SVJ employs a naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 engine which delivers 770-horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 530 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm to its all-wheel-drive system. It is able to do 0-100 km/h in only 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of over 349 km/h.

With the prolific use of carbon fiber and lightweight materials throughout the car, the SVJ weighs only 1,525 kg. Four-wheel steering remains a feature on the SVJ, and it also benefits from suspension upgrades over the regular Aventador to improve overall mechanical grip, rigidity, and driving feel. Production numbers of the Aventador SVJ will be limited to just 900 units (which is includes the special edition SVJ 63).

Lamborghini Huracán STO

No Lamborghini model range would be complete without a healthy serving of special editions and one-off versions, and this is certainly no different when it comes to the Huracán. While it doesn’t yet boast the plethora of uber-rare cars that its predecessor (the Gallardo) can, special edition models are coming in thick and fast as we approach the final 3 years of the Huracán era.

The Lamborghini Huracán STO is the latest of this batch and also functions as the latest track-focused variant of the Huracán. Too hardcore to simply be considered a replacement for the Performanté (of which an Evo version is likely on the way), the STO possesses remarkable aerodynamic features such as a roof snorkel and extra-large rear wing. Carbon bucket seats with race harnesses also come standard.   

The 2021 Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Omologata (STO) is inspired by the Huracán Evo Super Trofeo race car developed by Lamborghini’s motorsport division – Squadra Corse – to run in its own competitive race series. The key difference between the two cars is that the STO is completely street-legal.

The STO has clearly been made to carve up any race track, which is highlighted by a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine that produces 640 hp and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to the rear wheels. Around a lap, the STO will be the fastest street-legal Huracán by a considerable margin. The base price is listed at US$334,133, with the first deliveries expected to arrive later in 2021.

Honorable mention: The Huracán Performanté, for being the basis upon which the new Evo variants and the STO were inspired.

Aston Martin One-77

Probably the least well-known car on this list – as there were only 77 ever produced – the One-77 is considered to be Aston Martin’s ultimate expression of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. The proverbial blank check along with the green light to do as they sought fit…if you will.

After three years of teasers and prototypes, Aston Martin put the One-77 into production in early 2011. This completely hand-built supercar was boldly marketed as an alternative to the Bugatti Veyron. The 7.3L naturally aspirated V12 engine was based on the power plant used in the DB9 and was designed by engine builder Cosworth. Producing 750 hp and 750 Nm of torque, the One-77 was the most powerful naturally aspirated road car in the world when it was first released.

Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera GT has become one of the most iconic and sought-after Porsche models in the realm of exotic car idolization and ownership. It is hard to believe that things didn’t really start off that way.

When the Porsche Carrera GT was released in 2004, it was anticipated to stir up plenty of fervor. It certainly had all the attributes to do so. It was a mid-engined V10 hypercar – one of the first to be considered a step beyond supercar status – and introduced a variety of industry-first technologies and features to the production car market.It was hard to argue against the Carrera GT having the performance, appearance, and stature to justify its $440,000 USD price tag when brand new.

Nevertheless, Porsche dealerships would have a difficult time selling them despite costing over $200,000 USD less than a new Ferrari Enzo; the Carrera GT’s intended target and rival. The slower than forecasted sales are likely the cause for Porsche ending production after just 1,270 units. Though a run of 1,500 units were originally planned, the German marque went on record to blame “changing airbag regulations” for their decision to ax the car. Thankfully, this turn of events would not prove ominous for the Porsche Carrera GT over the long run. In fact, quite the opposite.

Interestingly enough, we can thank the ongoing technological advancements taking place in the automotive industry for the Porsche Carrera GT’s resurgence into the limelight. Besides being equipped with a wicked state-of-the-art, naturally aspirated, 612 hp engine which was ahead of its time, the Carrera GT was otherwise an extremely analog machine, and it is this very characteristic that would elevate its appeal over time. This was helped on mainly by the fact that since the Porsche Carrera GT was released, the exotic car landscape has shifted dramatically to the production of more user-friendly, technologically refined, and easy-to-live-with supercars – the fastest for the masses, if you will.

Ferrari Enzo

Branding race-derived technology to road cars is not a new idea, especially to Ferrari. Up until the late 1950s, Ferrari’s road cars and racing cars were essentially the same product. Since that time, safety regulations, manufacturing costs, and practicality have more clearly distinguished the cars we race from the cars we drive on the streets. The goal of the Enzo was to bridge this gap.

Racing-inspired technology lays the foundation of the Ferrari Enzo. As such, the chassis is built from carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb panels, forming a rigid tub. At the center of the chassis is an all-new, 12-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Dubbed the F140, it is one of the largest Ferrari engines, only being eclipsed by the Can-Am units. Having such a large displacement allows the Enzo to deliver a healthy amount of torque; specifically, 137 ft-lb more than the F50 and at 1,000 rpm sooner. Despite the engine’s large displacement, it still manages to achieve 110 hp per liter, thanks to many variable systems.

With no hybrid setup, no turbochargers, and no dual-clutch transmission, the Ferrari Enzo is the last old-school Ferrari supercar before those dang hypercars came around. It is also the last naturally aspirated Ferrari supercar, with a wonderful 6.0L V12 that just screams. With 650 hp, a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph, the Enzo had performance figures that spoke for themselves. The Enzo’s sharp detailing and Formula 1-derived aerodynamics look just as good today as they did back then. It’s  a tough car to drive fast, and that’s what we love about it – a true old-school supercar.

Honorable mention:  The Pagani Zonda for sharing the same engine.

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The most exciting car to be announced by Ferrari in 2012 was the F12berlinetta. It is the third-gen Ferrari GT which follows the 599 GTB Fiorano and 550 Maranello and would be eventually become the predecessor of the 812 Superfast also mentioned in this list. When released, Ferrari called it the fastest Ferrari ever built and cited a lap time around the Fiorano test track of 1:23.

A highlight of the car is its 65º V12 engine which produces 750 hp without the aid of turbochargers or superchargers. This unit uses variable timing and direct gasoline injection for improved efficiency. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch transmission and an active electronic differential.

In 2015, Ferrari revealed the F12tdf which pays homage to the Tour de France – the legendary endurance road race that Ferrari dominated in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly with the 1956 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions in a row. The F12tdf shares the same engine with the F12berlinetta and is the ultimate expression of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track. Only 799 were built.

Mercedes Benz AMG SLS Black Series

Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix of breath-taking design, outstanding driving dynamics, and uncompromising lightweight construction. The Black Series features a 6.3L naturally aspirated V8 engine which produces 631 hp @ 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most iconic ‘gullwing model from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 315 km/h.

The Black Series’ engine is an improvement over the one found inside the regular AMG SLS in many key areas; the redline was increased from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm, revised camshafts were installed, restrictions were reduced, and the ECU retuned. As a front mid-engine configuration, the power plant was mounted behind the front axle, which helps to provide a weight distribution that is favorable to high-performance driving.

Audi R8 V10

The Audi R8 underwent a facelift recently. It now has more aggressive styling. It’s the best looking the R8 has ever been. The front fascia is different, and it has new side skirts, a new rear bumper, a new rear diffuser, and a new spoiler. Inside, the cabin looks more or less the same.

For the 2021 model year, Audi has announced that the R8 will be permanently available in the rear-wheel drive configuration going forward. The 532 hp rear-wheel-drive R8 takes its place in the lineup as the entry-level R8 variant; if you want Quattro, you will have to opt for the Performance model. Both variants continue to be powered by a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine. Thanks to the rear-wheel-drive now being the standard offering, the base price of the car is almost $30,000 lower than the previous year – making the Audi R8 as attractive a buy as perhaps it has ever been.

If the regular R8 is not enough, you can make the jump to the Audi R8 V10 Performance and get 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, all-wheel-drive continues to come standard in this trim, although this year makes for a more significant case with the elimination of Quattro in the non-Performance (now known as RWD) version. The power bump and addition of all-wheel drive go a long way to padding the performance figures in a desirable fashion, with the 0 to 60 mph time down to 3.2 seconds and top speed up to 205 mph. The Audi R8 has always been a true performer, and now it looks better than ever, too.

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50

The T.50 represents a culmination of Gordon Murray’s lifetime of aerodynamics, design, engineering, and Formula 1 experience. He was the original architect of the McLaren F1; to this day, still one of the greatest cars, let alone supercars, ever made. Ok, so the T.50 isn’t the F1. However, Murray himself said, “It’s not £20 million, so I point out to customers this is a car that delivers the same experience [as the F1], but better in every way, and with an 80 percent discount.” Well…when you put it that way, the GMA T.50‘s $2.6 million sticker price sounds like a steal.

According to EVO, the T.50 features a naturally-aspirated V12 engine that was built by the well-known engine developer Cosworth. This engine powers the rear wheels through a traditional six-speed manual transmission. It offers a 3.98L displacement, a 12,100 rpm redline, and will act as a stressed member of the chassis. There is, though, a 48-volt mild hybrid system that will work in tandem with the V12, producing a combined output of about 700 hp. While this technically means that the T.50 isn’t naturally aspirated by the letter of the law, the 12,000 rpm redline tells us that we ought to let this one slide.

1995 McLaren F1 Sold At Monterey Car Week Joins Elite Top 10

Monterey Car Week is all about celebrating motoring, in whatever form it takes. There was the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for the art that is the automobile. There was the Monterey Motorsports Reunion to see multiple classic race cars attack the track at Laguna Seca.

However, the biggest news of the week comes from the other half of Pebble Beach that was used for Car Week, the auction block. With the owner represented by renowned auction house Gooding & Company, a very rare McLaren F1 crossed the block.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is what happened when a revolutionary Formula 1 engineer and designer was given an unlimited budget to develop, quite simply, the world’s greatest supercar. Gordon Murray, that engineer, took four years to design, prototype, evolve and finally build the supercar. He set the strictest of power and weight requirements, was not satisfied until every millimeter of every dimension on the car was perfect, and was still not 100% satisfied with the end result.

1995 McLaren F1
1995 McLaren F1 Single block titanium suspension spar, gold foil heat lining, titanium exhaust

The engine bay is lined with gold foil, as it is the world’s best heat reflector. The stabilizer spar across the engine bay is carved from a single block of titanium.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

The S70/2 V12 engine required the expertise of BMW to make it as light as possible while also being as powerful as possible. The only engine ever since the F1 that required so much careful and technical development is the V10 that sits under the hood of the Lexus LFA.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

Released in 1992, the McLaren F1 was the first car to ever cost $1 Million USD from the factory. Every part except the lightbulbs in the tail lights was bespoke and built only for the F1. It took the concept of a special edition or limited edition supercar and turned it on its head. Those that had come before, such as the Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 959, were all exceptional cars, but the Mclaren F1 was the one that broke the mold when it came to the absolute definition of a supercar, and it is still the measuring stick to this day.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

It should be no surprise, then, that chassis number 029, one of only 64 ever built, started bidding already in the millions, and it quickly went up over $10 million.

1995 McLaren F1
1995 McLaren F1 Only 387 original miles… the engine isn’t even broken in!

The reasoning for this is that while it is a later model in the grand scheme of McLaren F1’s, this is perhaps the lowest mileage F1 ever sold. Technically, in 27 years, it has not even finished its engine break-in, as it has just 387 miles on the clock.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

The original owner also bought the optional Facom Tool Cart that has a full set of wrenches and other tools to maintain a McLaren F1, often used by the McLaren technician that would be flown out to your car to perform services.

1995 McLaren F1
1995 McLaren F1 1995 McLaren F1 Facom optional tool cart specific for the car

The original owner also took the full leather luggage set in tan cowhide and even sprung for the handmade, bespoke to the car TAG Heuer 6000 McLaren F1 watch, which is still working perfectly.

1995 McLaren F1
1995 McLaren F1 1995 McLaren F1 full cowhide leather luggage kit

With such a collection of the options that one could specify for the car, it was no surprise when the bidding hit $15 million USD.

1995 McLaren F1
1995 McLaren F1 1995 McLaren F1 TAG Heuer 6000 McLaren F1 owners edition watch

Eyebrows started to raise, however, when it started to approach $20 million. Only ten cars have ever broken $20 million USD (adjusted to the time of their sale) at auction, and two of those are Ferrari 250 GTOs.

1995 McLaren F1
1995 McLaren F1 Le Mans style pedals for the ultimate supercar

Breaching $20 million would place chassis 029 as the 11th most expensive car ever sold at auction, and that record was reached after much deliberations between three of the remaining bidders.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

Only two kept bidding, and the final competitive bid was $20,500,000 USD.

1995 McLaren F1

1995 McLaren F1

This number puts this 1995 McLaren F1, chassis #029, built in January of that year, into tenth place on the list of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction, pushing out a 1955 Jaguar D-Type Le Mans race car that sold for $20.3 million USD (adjusted) in 2016 .

It was also the most expensive car sold at Pebble Beach for the entirety of the 2021 Monterey Car Week, and if any car deserves to take that

1995 McLaren F1 with only 242 miles sets record auction price

Update: The McLaren F1 you see above set a new auction record for the model at Gooding and Company’s auction. The winning bid was $18,600,000, with the final sale price of $20,465,000. According to Hemmings this tops the previous record set in 2019 of a little over $19,000,000. The text has been updated.

With a run of just 106 examples, a massive top speed of 240 miles per hour, and a Le Mans-winning racing pedigree, every McLaren F1 sports car is special. Some are just a bit more special than others, though, such as the 1995 example you see above. It’s a unique color combination and only has 242 miles on the clock. It also set a record for sale price at Gooding and Company’s auction at Pebble Beach this year.

The car is the 25th McLaren F1 built and the only one to have been finished in a paint color called “Creighton Brown,” which the auction house notes was named after an executive who helped get McLaren’s road car business up and running. The interior continues the brown theme with dark and light leather throughout.

And as for the low miles, it’s evident beyond the odometer. Apparently it’s still sitting on the same tires it came with back in 1995. So, if you do happen to put more miles on it, please get a new set to drive on, and put the originals in a safe place for your safety and their preservation. The car also comes with all its matching luggage, its original watch, the complete tool chest, roadside tool kit, owner’s manual, service book and official book talking about the development of the car.

Gooding and Company says this is the lowest mileage F1 example to go to auction, and coupled with its unique color scheme, they expected a high price, and they got it. With a final sale price of $20,465,000, it’s the most expensive McLaren F1 ever sold.

Related Video:

Best V12 Engines Ever Produced

As far as internal combustion engines go, V12 engines are at the zenith. This is while still acknowledging the omnipotent W16 motors seen in today’s Bugatti hypercars, while not forgetting the likes of mainstream automakers – such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz – also having flirted with the idea of series-production V16 engines in the past. With the 16-cylinder power plants essentially synonymous with the French automaker, the V12 is the de facto ruler for the broader spectrum of ultra-high-performance automobiles.

The diversity of this list fully demonstrates the universal appeal that V12s have around the world, to both producers and consumers alike. This unanimous and long-spanning support for the technology has helped to spawn some of the most impressive engines ever produced. The usual suspects are at play here, with Ferrari and Lamborghini making their totally not unexpected appearances. The British – via Aston Martin, Jaguar, and GMA – have shared their own highly impressive interpretations as well, while more conventional brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Toyota have had their say.

For the most part, these engines are naturally aspirated and characteristically rev all the way to the moon. In totality, each and every one of them is nothing short of a legend.

Here’s the shortlist of 10 such engines, curated for your reading pleasure:

Ferrari Colombo V12Ferrari Colombo V12 Engine

Originally designed by Gioacchino Colombo, this engine can trace its roots back to the very first Ferrari-branded model designed by Ferrari Enzo – the 1947 Ferrari 125 S – where it debuted as a 1.5L V12. The core design of the engine would persevere for more than 4 decades; along the way growing in size, having various levels of forced induction, and becoming a dual-overhead-cam configuration with EFI. Many credit the motor’s longevity to its reputation for being bulletproof.

Successful in both road-going and race track derivatives, the list of Ferrari cars this engine has graced has no shortage of automotive icons; the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, Ferrari 250 GTO, and Ferrari 365 GTB/4, just to name a few.

BMW S70/2

BMW S70/2 Engine

Despite being produced by BMW, the S70/2 didn’t feature in one of the Bavarian automaker’s own production cars. Nevertheless, it did end up powering none other than arguably the most iconic supercars ever made – the 1992-1998 McLaren F1. The 6.1L naturally-aspirated unit produced 627 hp and was capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and had a top speed of 240 mph. It wouldn’t be until the next millennium before those figures could be surpassed.

Interestingly enough, BMW wasn’t Gordon Murray’s first choice to supply the engine for his groundbreaking supercar, with collaborations with the likes of Honda and Isuzu falling apart before they would opt for the Munich-built power plant. Whatever might’ve happened if things turned out differently, who’s to know? But what we do know is that BMW got things absolutely spot-on with the S70/2, which continues to be regarded as one of the true and timeless masterpieces in automotive history.

Jaguar V12

Jaguar V12 Engine

Jaguar’s first foray into the world of V12 engines began in motorsport as early as 1951, with its 1964 XJ13 Le Mans race car eventually serving as the trickle-down technology source for its production cars. For the latter, this would begin with a 5.3L naturally-aspirated unit in the 1971 Jaguar E-Type and would even go on to be used by other automakers such as Daimler and Panther. An HE (or “high-efficiency”) version of this engine would be released in 1981 – featuring on the XJ12, XJ-S, and Daimler Double-Six – which improved fuel economy by almost 50% compared to its predecessor, without affecting performance.

In its final iteration, the V12 would evolve into a 6.0L HE unit which produced as much as 333 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. It was likely to be some variation of this engine which was initially being marketed for use on the Jaguar XJ220, before the British automaker controversially decided on a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine instead. The last Jaguar V12 engined was produced on April 17, 1997.

Lamborghini V12 L539

Lamborghini V12 L539 Engine

Like Ferrari, Lamborghini also has a long and storied history with V12 engines, having created its very own first version of this power plant for its mid-’60s era Lamborghini 350GT production car. Starting off as a considerably brawny 270 hp 3.5L naturally-aspirated unit, the “Bizzarrini” engine would evolve into a 661 hp 6.5L naturally-aspirated unit and be fashioned by models as recent as the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP-670 SV.

As long as the Bizzarrini engine persisted, we feel that the most significant statement of Lamborghini’s V12 mastery comes in the form of its latest iteration of the engine, dubbed ‘L539’. This power plant would share its debut with the 2011 Lamborghini Aventador, of which it initially powered with 690 hp via a 6.5L naturally-aspirated configuration. With a fresh design, the new engine was over 18 kg lighter than its predecessor and was programmed with a new firing order.  The all-wheel-drive supercar would see significant improvements during its lifecycle, with the latest iteration of the L539 car producing 770 hp in the limited-edition 2021 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae.

Ferrari F140

Ferrari F140 Engine

If the F140 had only powered the (2002-2005) Ferrari Enzo – the first Prancing Horse model where it featured – it would have been no less significant or legendary than it is today. The 65-degree V12 engine debuted on the Enzo as a 6.0L naturally-aspirated V12 unit which produced a staggering 651 hp @ 7,800 rpm and 458 lb-ft of torque @ 5,500 rpm. Over the years, 6.3L versions of the F140 have powered the likes of the hybrid LaFerrari and the F12berlinetta.

It has since evolved to its current peak as a 6.5L power plant – dubbed the F140 GA – which produces 789 hp @ 8,500 rpm and 530 lb-ft of torque @ 7,000 rpm in the 812 Superfast; this makes it the most powerful naturally-aspirated production car engine ever produced to this day. It is likely that this could be one of the final generations of Ferrari V12 engines – whether it be naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or even hybridized – so appreciate it while it’s still around!

Mercedes-Benz M120 / M297

Mercedes-Benz M120 / M297 Engine

When Mercedes-Benz caught wind of archrival BMW’s side-hustle with Gordon Murray, let’s just say that there was no resting on any laurels going on at their Stuttgart headquarters. With a clever riposte, Mercedes would debut their first-ever V12 engine through the 1993 600 SEC (later to be renamed the S600 Coupé, and frequently referred to as the S-Class). The 6.0L naturally-aspirated power plant was good for 389 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 155 mph in its initial configuration.

Not only did Mercedes-Benz one-up BMW by using the engine for their own cars, but they also borrowed a page from their opponent’s playbook and had their M120 engine fashioned for use in the magnificent Pagani Zonda supercar as well. Hand-built and tuned by AMG, the M120 also featured on the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR race car and also saw its displacement increased to 7.3L for use on the SL73 AMG and CL73 AMG – and at which point it was commonly referred to as the M297.  The most powerful iteration of the M120 features in the Pagani Zonda Revolución, with the non-street-legal car good for 789 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque.

Aston Martin NA V12

Aston Martin NA V12 Engine

With one of the best sounding V12s (and automobile engines, period), the story of how the Aston Martin (naturally-aspirated) V12 came to be is rather more peculiar and convoluted. The project had less, should we say, glamorous beginnings, when things basically started off with the development of a 2.5L naturally-aspirated V6 engine. This particular unit was essentially the brainchild of Suzuki and Mazda, with the latter’s then-majority owner, Ford, then taking the blueprint to Cosworth, who would go on to build the Duratec V6.

Needless to say, the story didn’t end there, and Aston Martin would end up bolting two of those engines together to create the 5.9L naturally-aspirated V12 it would stamp its name on (and market as a 6.0L). Having more in common with a Ford Taurus than owners or enthusiasts would like to admit, the motor produced 414 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in the 1999 DB7 V12 Vantage. Aston Martin continues to employ a V12 engine to this day, with the 2017 DB11 having fashioned a 5.2L twin-turbocharged version. More recently, the company has referred back to the naturally-aspirated configuration, with a 6.5L unit designed to power its Valkyrie hypercar with over 1,000 hp @ 10,500 rpm (plus an additional 160 hp with its hybrid-electric system).

Toyota 1GZ-FE

Toyota 1GZ-FE Engine

To call Toyota’s 1GZ-FE the “Godfather” of Japanese automobile engines would be neither an understatement nor unbefitting. After all, the venerable V12 from the land of the Rising Sun – which exclusively powers the Toyota Century luxury sedan – is both one-of-a-kind and has a penchant for attracting a particular type of “underworldly” owner in its homeland. It’s the only production V12 engine to come from Japan and still manages to invoke all of the essential philosophies of Japanese craftsmanship – such as reliability, build quality, and refinement.
That being said, it’s certainly not the most powerful engine on this list and remained at around the 300 hp mark during its lengthy production run from 1997-2016. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most unique engines on this list and is no less iconic than its near-1000 hp contemporaries. This engine is prime for swapping into other platforms, with automotive personality Smokey Nagata fitting a twin-turbocharged version to his ‘Top Secret’ Toyota Supra. Thanks in large part to its distinctive engine, the Century remains a status symbol in Japan; in the way a Rolls-Royce Phantom does the same just about everywhere else.

GMA Cosworth V12

GMA Cosworth V12 Engine

It’s impossible to speak about the naturally-aspirated engine in the GMA T.50, without getting into how it’s involved in so much more than just spinning the new supercar’s rear wheels, or about how other design elements of the car are built around it. As impressive as a 12,100 rpm redline sounds, its 654 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque doesn’t sound extraordinary by today’s standards. But rest assured this engine, and this car, are on the cusp of a truly “redefining” moment in automotive history. Crucially weighing at just 178 kg, the engine plays a huge factor towards the T.50’s overall curb weight of just 980 kg – about one-third that of a contemporary supercar or hypercar.

The GMA T.50 is the culmination of decades of Gordon Murray’s aerodynamic and mechanical engineering experience. Part of what makes the T.50 so exciting, is that it incorporates the design and function of the infamous Brabham BT46 “Fan Car.” A gigantic fan –  powered by the camshaft of the engine and coupled with the curved underbody of the BT46 – created an active venturi effect that quite literally vacuumed the car onto the road, and allowed it to corner at barely believable speeds and levels of grip. The T.50 will feature something similar, and likely more advanced. On a road car. We can’t wait to see this in the flesh.

Bugatti 3.5L Quad-Turbocharged V12

Bugatti 3.5L Quad-Turbocharged V12 Engine

This Bugatti engine has had a very decorated career, albeit a short one, which makes it all the more impressive. Featured exclusively on the (1991-1995) Bugatti EB110, this 3.5L quad-turbocharged V12 is responsible for some very notable distinctions. First, it is widely regarded as being one of the catalysts in the revival of the French marque even though it failed to be directly responsible for this. It became the world’s fastest production car of its time, beating the Jaguar XJ220 in the process.

Suffice to say, it grabbed all the headlines, and really, that was the whole point. I mean, for what other purposes would the use of four turbochargers be given the green light for? Sure, it produced a whopping 553 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, but you would have to argue that this likely could’ve been achieved with a more conventional design. After all, quad-turbocharged engines never really proliferated, and there’s probably good science behind why that’s been the case. Nevertheless, there’s nothing un-iconic about a V12 engine with almost as many turbochargers as you can count on one hand; and we love it all the same.

Carfection Covers the Ultimate Trilogy of 90s Icons

As far as YouTube videos go, a 15-minute video can seem like such a chore. People these days want information and speed all at once, then onto the next task. But this episode of Carfection is well worth the watch – in 4K resolution if I may add. Henry Catchpole from Carfection, a YouTube channel with almost a million subscribers, has the pleasure of teaming up with DK Engineering to compare a holy trinity of iconic supercars. He starts off the three-part series to review the legendary McLaren F1 while the Porsche 911 GT1, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR wait in the stable for their turn in the YouTube spotlight.

[embedded content] [embedded content]

The F1 featured in the episode is one of the few McLaren F1’s to maintain its original color and material combo. And this is the only one to have a full Alcantara interior. The owners over the years used towels and seat covers to maintain its pristine condition. The originality of an F1 is the deciding factor in the resale value – not just its mileage. McLaren-F1-Chassis-37

McLaren-F1-Chassis-37

Just over half of the 106 F1’s produced hit roads as legal road-going supercars. This example is number 37, and with only 64 road cars, it not just a special icon of the 90s but a rare one. 

McLaren-F1-Chassis-37The McLaren F1 featured a 6.1-liter V12 BMW-built engine that put down 627bhp and 479ft-lbs of torque. It was able to hit 60mph in just 3.2 sec and achieve a top speed of 240mph. Not only did McLaren design and build a legendary road car, but they also dominated on the track by notably beating Ferrari’s F40’s in the BPR Global GT Championship in ‘95 and ‘96 in addition to winning Le Mans in 1995 by taking 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place – not bad for McLaren’s first kick at the Le Mans can. 

Carfection’s series will continue on with the other two legends one by one and highlight their major significance in the supercar world as we know it today.

McLaren F1 for sale

I’m sure you’ve read our article on the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50s Niki Lauda supercar posted recently, with that trademark center seating position, and I’m also confident you know where we’ve all seen that before, right? In the original McLaren F1 road car from the Nineties … with only 64 built for the streets, getting your hands on one of the latter isn’t easy, and chances are rare and far between … but Issimi has one listed for sale right now.

Photo courtesy of Issimi

Personally, I would prefer a silver metallic finished McLaren F1, just like the factory demonstrators, but with only very few changing hands at any given time, you can’t be picky when it comes to finding one of these for sale, so the red over black finished 1995 McLaren F1 listed by Issimi on their website.

Photo courtesy of Issimi

When Gordon Murray created the McLaren F1, his intention was to create the ultimate driver’s car and with the 6.1-Liter V12 engine underneath the gold-insulated engine cover, I would say he succeeded in doing just that, this red sample is one of only 7 cars that were originally sold in the United States of America, and it has been maintained by an expert and currently is still in perfect condition despite being over 25 years old.

Photo courtesy of Issimi

The McLaren F1 set the world record for the fastest production car in 1998 with a speed of 240.1 mph, verified by the Guinness World Records, and with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds, this 25-year-old lady is still considered very fast today.

Photo courtesy of Issimi

Powering the McLaren is a quad-cam, 48-valve, 6.1-litre BMW V12 engine with variable valve timing. It produces a staggering 627 bhp. The F1’s engine uses competition-inspired dry-sump lubrication. More complex than a conventional wet sump, it shaved vital inches from the oil pan, allowing the engine to be mounted lower.

Everywhere you look at the McLaren, attempts have been made to reduce weight. Like the front and rear wishbones which are machined from solid aluminum alloy; or the wheels, constructed out of magnesium alloy.

Photo courtesy of Issimi

To show off McLaren’s dedication and Formula heritage, Murray used a central driver’s seat and provided an option for two seats on either side. Like a race car, this provided the best possible view and was a good example of how uncompromising the F1 was. Additionally, the McLaren wasn’t equipped with any driving aids which meant it lacked traction control, ABS, power brakes, and power steering.

Make sure to check our extensive McLaren F1 – Ultimate guide published earlier to get an in-depth look into this amazing car, and if you are really adamant about adding this rare car to your collection, you might want to get in touch with someone at Issimi, just get ready to open that checkbook as this car will not come cheap.

Photo courtesy of Issimi

Just to prepare you for the shock, Bonhams sold chassis SA9AB5AC5S1048044 at auction in 2017 for US$ 15,620,000, which is astonishing as the MSRP back in the Nineties was about $815,000, and it gets even better, in 2019 RM Sotheby’s sold chassis SA9AB5AC1R1048018, which was a little special for being one of only two cars that were converted into LM-Specs by the factory … the hammer came down at $19,805,000 including fees.

Renowned Hagerty lists the value of a ‘normal’ McLaren F1 around the $22,000,000 mark today, with special ones valued even higher … I would be really interested to learn just how much hard-earned money would need to be exchanged to park this red one on your driveway.

McLaren F1 chassis 063 restored by MSO is a beauty in silver

McLaren Special Operations announced its F1 Certified program one year ago at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance in England with an F1 GTR race car restored to as-new condition. The skunkworks division must have been working on its next beauty at the same time, F1 road car chassis 063 built in 1994, as MSO is ready to show the second fully restored chassis after 18 months and nearly 3,000 hours of work. 

After stripping the drivetrain and body of 063, MSO stitched up the interior to original spec. That meant sourcing ten suitable hides, preparing them as semi-aniline and dying them Woking Grey. The three seats are sewn up in matching Woking Grey, the driver’s seat set off by a red, perforated Alcantara center panel. More Woking Grey leather goes on the dashboard and as piping for the Woking Gray floor mats over the same-colored carpeting. The steering wheel is new-old stock, pulled from a container of original F1 parts McLaren has kept in storage for decades.

Technicians rebuilt the 6.1-liter BMW-sourced V12, then dyno tested it to ensure the original output of 618 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The Bilstein dampers were returned to the manufacturer for as-new refurbishment, as were the driveshafts and hubs. Then came reinstalling the body panels, repainted over the course of almost 900 hours in the original Magnesium Silver hue. A final bout of road and track testing verified chassis 063 was ready to be returned to its owner, along with a Certificate of Authenticity, an illustrated book documenting the history of the car, and a laser-scanned 3D model of the F1. 

Any other owners of the 106 F1s built between 1993 and 1998 — 64 standard road cars and 28 GTR racers — are welcome to avail themselves of the MSO service. For the second year running, MSO will display its work at the Hampton Court Concours from September 6-8.

Autocar Reviews the McLaren F1, P1 and Senna

The Best Hypercars Reviewed Back-to-Back

There’s a lot to love about what McLaren is doing right now with its lineup. However, Autocar thought it best to take a look at the Senna and its predecessors to get a true understanding of what the company is doing and how it has progressed over time. 

The publication managed to get the McLaren Senna, P1, and F1 all for one fantastic video shoot so it could discuss their impacts, how they drive, and how they’ differ from one another. Matt Prior of Autocar takes you on a journey through the car’s history and how they drive. 

While the McLaren P1 and Senna are so much more advanced than the F1, it seems that Prior enjoys the F1 the most. The car will do 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and do a standing quarter-mile in 11 seconds, and that’s with no launch mode or traction control or really any assisting systems of all time. 

However, the P1 and the Senna are truly amazing cars, and it’s clear how one leads into the other in a lineage like no other. Check out the full video below. It’s worth the watch to see these three icons doing what they do best. 

[embedded content]

1994 McLaren F1 Now Up For Auction

Another McLaren is up for sale, you guys. This time it’s a 1994 McLaren F1, LM-Spec, to be exact. As if the McLaren F1 in and of itself wasn’t legendary enough, right?

Up for auction now at RM Sotheby’s, this car represents perhaps the finest work to come out of a partnership of legends. The brainchild of Ron Dennis and Mansour Ojjeh, with a design from Gordon Murrary, the car grew out of a desire to build the ultimate road car. And boy did they meet the goal. 30 years later, the McLaren F1 remains the car to beat.

McLaren only ever built 106 units of the legendary F1, 64 of them were road cars. We know — tragic. Even more tragically, though: only five boast LM specifications. That came after the McLaren F1’s overall victory in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 1994 McLaren F1 you see above is actually a model returned to the factory in 2000 and 2001 for two rounds of LM-spec modifications.

The factory retuned the BMW V12 engine, upping it to 680 ponies. It also received a criminal aero package and a massive rear wing, along with a new coat of silver paint. Only two cars were ever returned to McLaren for this sort of modification. And you’re looking at one of them. Suffice to say this represents one of the rarest McLaren F1s money can buy.

The car will go up for auction this August in Monterey with an expected price of well past $20 million. Don’t act so surprised.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

LM Spec McLaren F1 to be Sold in Monterey by RM Sotheby’s

One of Only Two Cars Like It

The McLaren F1 is a car that’s burned into the brains of many motorsports and car enthusiasts as the ultimate machine. The car is a legendary one. McLaren built 64 production road cars, 28 F1 GTR racers, two long-tail GT cars, and seven prototypes. The company also built five F1 LMs, according to EVO. Two of the production road cars were later converted to LM cars. One of these will go up for auction in Monterey at the RM Sotheby’s sale in August. 

The conversion cars received complete makeovers. They also got numerous upgrades, including a full aerodynamics kit, transmission cooler, upgraded radiators, modified exhaust, 18-inch GTR alloy wheels, new air conditioning, different lights, upgraded suspension, and a new steering wheel. 

The car that will be on sale in Monterey is said to be in amazing condition. The car’s previous owners cared for it meticulously over the years. All of its history, including maintenance, has been well-documented ensuring the next owner of the car knows everything about it. While it’s unclear what the car will bring at auction, EVO Magazine notes that due to the previous sales of similar cars you can expect this model to fetch over $15 million and maybe even more than $20 million. 

RM Sotheby’s List McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ For Sale

The McLaren F1 is an incredibly rare car. Just 106 were produced, 64 of which were designated as road cars. If you know anything about the road cars, you will know that the most sought-after are the limited edition F1 LM models. McLaren produced just 5, 3 of which went to the Sultan of Brunei (disappearing from public view).

Such was the demand for these cars that once the original production run was complete, McLaren upgraded two “standard” F1 road cars to LM specifications. Both cars received modifications in excess of the optional High Downforce Kit. The package consisted of a large rear wing, enlarged front splitter and louvres on the front clamshell.

The real highlight is the engine. Rebuilt to LM spec from the original engine, it revs 1,000 rpm higher than the standard V12 and develops 680bhp. 

The example that RM Sotheby’s plans to sell currently belongs to New Zealand-based collector Andrew Bagnall. It is chassis number 018. It is regularly used, displaying 21,500 km on the clock.

RM Sotheby’s also sold the other uprated LM car, 073, back in 2015. Part of the Pinnacle Portfolio, it hammered at a price of $13,750,000. 018 has a $21,000,000 – $23,000,000 estimate. Whether it is able to reach those dizzy heights is a different question! Imagine if an original McLaren F1 LM hit the market…

GTSPIRIT NEWSLETTER

Gordon Murray’s superlight T.50 supercar: 650 hp Cosworth V12, manual transmission

Gordon Murray Automotive, the company bearing the name of the legendary designer, has released official information on its upcoming T.50 supercar. Aimed to be “the last and greatest” analog supercar ever built, the T.50 will have an all-new 3.9-liter Cosworth V12 and a six-speed manual gearbox.

The T.50 should really appeal to fans of the original 1990s McLaren F1 supercar, one of Murray’s greatest works. It will feature the same center-steer, three-seat configuration of the F1, and it has a screamer of a V12 — the 650-horsepower Cosworth unit, shared with no other car, will rev to a staggering 12,100 rpm. But the superlight T.50, said to weigh 2,161 pounds, has a few more tricks up its sleeve.

One of those tricks is its extremely advanced use of aerodynamics. The T.50 will in fact feature a 15.75-inch fan for underbody airflow control, which means the body design can remain uncluttered by wings. The point isn’t to make a mere tribute to the ’90s legend that is the McLaren F1 — the idea is to beat it. “Our experienced team is applying the same uncompromising approach to design and engineering that shaped every facet of the F1, and they are able to deliver substantial improvements over that car in every meaningful way,” says Murray.

The curb weight undercuts the heft of comparable supercars by about a third, and it’s a result of a strict diet extending to every single component. Murray says the T.50 isn’t about top speed or power, but about ultimate lightness. “The reality of chasing top speeds only adds weight, notably through ever-more-powerful engines, which increase the requirement for larger, heavier ancillaries. We are taking a very different approach.” The T.50 will be smaller than a Porsche 911, for instance, at 14.37 feet long and just over 6 feet wide. Still, there is said to be ample comfort and luggage space for three.

While the fan is powered by a 48-volt electrical system, the bespoke engine has no turbo or hybrid assist, just classic naturally aspirated power. Normally, the engine produces 650 horsepower, a McLaren F1-besting figure despite the V12 being far smaller than the BMW-derived 6.1-liter unit of the predecessor, but there’s also a ram-air induction system to raise available power to 700hp. “By working with the team at Cosworth Powertrain, we have created the greatest naturally-aspirated engine ever designed for the road. It is the highest revving, highest power density, lightest and fastest-responding naturally-aspirated V12 ever made for a road car.” It is paired to a H-pattern gearbox developed by Xtrac in the UK, and all of the power goes to the rear wheels.

The T.50 will be built in Surrey, UK, and its price will soar past $3 million. Just 100 units will be made, with production slated for 2022.

McLaren F1 sells for $15.62 million at Bonhams auction

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. – The first McLaren F1 imported to the United States sold for an eye-popping $15.62 million Friday at the Bonhams auction here. Offered by its original owner, the legendary supercar is in impeccable condition and has all of its service records, including one from just last month.

The F1 gaveled for $14.2 million and the price included a 10-percent buyer’s fee. The sale was held at the Quail Lodge as part of vintage car week in the run-up to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The car, designated a 1995 model, has a 627-bhp DOHC V12 teamed with a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel drilled and vented disc brakes, according to the Bonhams listing.

This car is the 37th F1 produced and still wears its original silver exterior and black/grey leather interior. The unnamed owner bought it new from the factory in Woking, England, in 1996. This F1 has 9,600 miles on its odometer – half of them from a European roadtrip its owner took after buying the car.

This F1 was converted to be road legal in the US shortly after purchase, but has been returned to its original form for the auction. All of the conversion pieces, however, were saved. Only seven of the 64 F1s produced were federalized for US roads.

Related Video:

McLaren said to be developing an all-electric hypercar

British supercar maker McLaren plans to produce an all-electric version of its Ultimate Series hypercars, the automotive website Autocar reports.

The new, unnamed vehicle is reportedly not the same as the previously rumored P15, a lightweight Ultimate Series car we learned more about just last month. The EV is set to arrive sometime after the release of both the P15, which comes later this year, and the release of the BP23 hybrid in 2019. The latter is a replacement for the three-seater F1.

Autocar reports that the automaker plans to produce five models of the EV initially and let favored McLaren owners drive them as part of the development process. It also plans to introduce hybrid replacements for its 570 Sport Series and 720 Super Series in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

McLaren has said it expects half of its fleet to feature hybrid powertrains by 2022.

Related Video:

McLaren F1 25 years later: Designer Gordon Murray reflects on his classic creation

It’s been a quarter century since the introduction of the McLaren F1. In honor of this anniversary, McLaren caught up with Gordon Murray, the car’s designer, to talk about it and the development process. In the above video, Murray reveals a number of fascinating facts about the freakishly fast F1. For instance, the center seat placement wasn’t solely to evoke the feeling of being in an F1 car. It was also done to avoid having the pedals offset strangely as with other supercars of the era.

Some of the most interesting facts concern the F1’s top speed. Murray says that when the car was being developed, he never set any sort of performance or speed target, which seems odd for a car that immediately became the fastest street-legal car on Earth. Rather, Murray said, “I just tried to do the best car I could from an engineering point of view.” The fact that the F1 was so fast was just a pleasant result.

When the topic of the the McLaren F1’s top speed comes up in the video, there is some fantastic footage of the car setting its top speed record. Apparently, according to Murray, the company had to disconnect the rev limiter in order for the car to set its record of 240 mph, and even climb to 243 mph (391 km/h). The driver, Andy Wallace, also exhibits textbook British understatement as he reaches 391 km/h. When he tops out he says, “It will not go anymore than 391. But anyway, 391’s quite fast, isn’t it?”

Sure is. The video is definitely worth a watch.

Related Video:

First US-spec McLaren F1 will be auctioned in August

To own any McLaren F1 would be a special experience. It was the fastest car in the world for many years with a top speed of over 230 mph, courtesy of a glorious 627-horsepower V12 from BMW M. But as special as each individual F1 is, there are some few with that extra something, and among them is this 1995 F1 that will be offered by Bonhams at its Quail Lodge auction in August. This particular 1995 F1’s extra something is the fact that it was the very first to be imported to the US and made fully street-legal. Not only that, but it’s only had one owner from the day it was purchased.

According to Bonhams, the owner of this car, number 44 of 64, bought it in 1996. He took delivery of it at McLaren’s factory in Woking, Great Britain, and he immediately took it on a grand road trip across Europe. Following the trip, he had it shipped back to America for a company called Ameritech to go about updating the car to meet US safety and emissions regulations. In the 22 years that the original owner had it, he put 9,600 miles on the odometer.

The lucky buyer of this McLaren will get a thoroughly clean and complete car. The interior and engine bay are immaculate. Even the fusebox and other tertiary parts are in excellent shape. The original tool roll and luggage are included, as well as the complete toolbox for maintaining the car. Also, the original owner returned the car to European specifications after importing it, but he retained all of the parts necessary to make the car US-legal. All of those parts are included with the car in case the new owner wanted, or needed, to reinstall them. All things considered, this McLaren will likely run a very high price, but it could very well be worth it for whomever brings it home.

Related Video:

Bugatti Chiron gets soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo’s seal of approval

The first few Bugatti Chirons are about to hit the street, but before that happens the French automaker allowed soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to get behind the wheel. As Bugatti puts it, the automaker wanted to give “a real champion” the chance to drive and approve of the 1,500-horsepower luxury cruise missile before it officially hits the road. The short video shows that even in a garage full of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and a Rolls-Royce, the Chiron stands out.

The video features a brief glimpse at Ronaldo’s impressive collection of cars just before the low rumble of 16-turbocharged cylinders rolls in with test driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel. Wallace won the 24 Hours of Le Mans but is probably most famous for setting the McLaren F1’s top speed record in 1998. Few drivers in the world are more qualified to drive what is believed to be the fastest production car ever built.

After Ronaldo steps inside, the video cuts to some clips of the Portuguese player blasting around the track. We’re not sure if it’s really Ronaldo behind the wheel, but it is fun to see the Chiron in action. In the end Wallace tells Ronaldo he must make a call to Bugatti if he wants to keep it. Ronaldo apologizes to his other cars and picks up his phone.

Related Video: