McLaren F1 Could Sell for $23m at Auction

By Paul Joseph

With only 106 ever made, the McLaren F1 is one of the world’s most sought after supercars, and that reputation is set to be further enhanced at an upcoming auction where it is expected that an F1 model will sell for anything up to an incredible $23 million.

Only 64 of those 106 original F1s left the factory road-legal, making it even more of a cherished prize for car collectors.

One of those 64, an F1 unicorn is up for auction is to go under the hammer at an RM Sotheby’s sale in Pebble Beach next month. The incredibly rare machine is one of the only two F1s modified by McLaren into “LM specifications.”

For those familiar with the model, the British automaker upgraded two standard F1 road cars at the factory into bona fide Le Mans endurance-racing models.

The features that distinguish the LM spec F1 from the rest include 18-inch OZ Racing centre-lock five-spoke wheels, as per those used on the F1 GTR race car, a more potent version of the BMW-designed 6.1-litre V12 that produces 680 horsepower as compared to the standard F1’s 627, and a massive fixed rear wing.

These upgrades are part of what McLaren calls the “Extra-High Downforce Kit.” Unlike the racecar versions, this particular F1 is fitted with comfy, luxurious interiors. It is trimmed with cream leather and Alcantara along with a Kenwood radio.

Built in 1994, the chassis 018 has 13,352 miles on the clock and has been in New Zealand since 2007 after being purchased by Kiwi entrepreneur and amateur racer Andrew Bagnell.

As per pre-sale estimates, it is expected to sell for between $21 and $23 million.

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By Paul Joseph