
A rare McLaren F1 supercar, once owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, is projected to sell for over $23 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey event from August 13-16. This exceptional vehicle, renowned for being the world’s fastest naturally aspirated production road car, has a storied history and unique features that make it a coveted collector’s item.
The McLaren F1, celebrated as the “Car of the Century” during its debut at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix, continues to hold its ground as a record-setting marvel. Developed by legendary Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray, the F1 was a groundbreaking innovation in the 1990s with its all carbon fiber/Kevlar monocoque chassis and naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 engine, producing 627 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
Engineering Marvel and Historical Significance
The F1’s engineering prowess is highlighted by its ability to achieve a top speed of 242.95 mph in 1998, a record for naturally aspirated road cars that remains unbeaten. This feat was accomplished under the guidance of Le Mans-winning test driver Andy Wallace. While modern supercars like Bugattis and Koenigseggs push the boundaries of speed, the McLaren F1’s legacy endures, partly due to its innovative design features such as the aerodynamic cues inspired by the 1971 Ferrari 312P sports racer.
Ellison’s McLaren F1 is one of only seven original U.S. imports and among 106 total units manufactured between 1992 and 1998. The car’s provenance is further enhanced by its association with Ellison, whose net worth ranks him as the world’s second-richest person, according to Forbes. Interestingly, Elon Musk, the current richest person, also owns one of these rare U.S. imports.
A Storied Ownership Journey
Delivered to Ellison in August 1997, the car bore the California vanity license plate “ORACLE8” and was driven less than 2,600 miles before changing hands in 2005. It remained in the San Francisco Bay Area, making it likely the only F1 to have multiple owners without leaving its original geographic location. The car underwent various upgrades and maintenance over the years, including a service by McLaren Special Operations in the UK and participation in the 20th F1 Anniversary Tour in 2012.
Chassis no. 062 is equipped with McLaren Special Operations upgrades, including aluminum fuel tanks and a sports exhaust. It retains its original magnesium wheels and comes with a comprehensive set of original accessories, such as the owner’s manuals, luggage set, and service modem/laptop.
Recent Maintenance and Condition
In October 2023, the F1 was serviced at McLaren Philadelphia, one of eight global service centers authorized for McLaren F1 maintenance. The car received a transmission rebuild, new tires, spark plugs, and several other updates to ensure its optimal performance. A detailed condition report by Kevin Hines, a factory-authorized McLaren F1 technician, confirmed the car’s excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, leading to the replacement of its windshield with a correct, original style windscreen.
“It is evident that this vehicle has been well cared for during its current and previous ownership, being in very good cosmetic and mechanical condition,” noted the report.
The Auction and Market Implications
The upcoming auction at RM Sotheby’s Monterey event is expected to attract significant attention from collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike. The projected sale price of over $23 million underscores the enduring allure and value of the McLaren F1, particularly those with such distinguished ownership and meticulous maintenance records.
This sale not only highlights the McLaren F1’s status as a timeless icon of automotive engineering but also reflects the broader trends in the classic car market, where provenance and rarity continue to drive demand and elevate prices.
As the auction approaches, industry experts and collectors will be watching closely to see if this McLaren F1 sets a new benchmark for the sale of naturally aspirated supercars, further cementing its legacy in automotive history.