One of the most iconic supercars ever made, the McLaren F1, is set to make history next month as it goes under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey on August 16. This particular model, known as Chassis 062, is one of only seven McLaren F1s ever imported into the United States when new. According to auction house estimates, it could fetch upwards of $23 million, potentially setting a new record for the most valuable McLaren F1 sold at auction.
The anticipated sale price of Chassis 062 stands in stark contrast to even the most exclusive modern supercars. To put this into perspective, the estimated $23 million could purchase ten of McLaren’s limited edition Speedtails or a McLaren Solus GT, with some cash to spare. If the estimate holds, it would surpass the previous auction record for a McLaren F1 by more than $2.5 million.
A Storied Legacy
McLaren, founded in 1985 by Bruce McLaren and Ron Dennis, has long been synonymous with high-performance engineering and innovation. The McLaren F1, designed by Gordon Murray, is celebrated for its groundbreaking design and engineering excellence. Despite the passage of time, the F1 remains a benchmark in the world of supercars.
The current record for a McLaren F1 at auction is held by a 1995 Creighton Brown model, which sold for $20.4 million at a Gooding & Company auction in 2021. This was already a significant increase over the $19.8 million paid for a Le Mans-tribute F1 LM in 2019. The potential sale of Chassis 062 could place it among the top 15 most valuable cars ever sold at auction, a list that includes automotive legends like the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Roadster and the 1955 Jaguar D-Type.
Chassis 062: A Unique Example
Chassis 062, finished in Magnesium Silver, was the 53rd McLaren F1 built in 1997. It has had just three owners, all based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite its rarity, the car was never officially sold in the United States due to federal regulations. However, modifications to meet domestic emissions standards allowed a few to be imported, making Chassis 062 an even more intriguing collector’s item.
With only 6,500 miles on the clock, Chassis 062 has been meticulously maintained. It underwent a comprehensive service by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) in 2012, which included new radiators and air conditioning upgrades. Additionally, it features a new aluminum fuel tank and a sports exhaust, while its original magnesium wheels are complemented by a bespoke set of matte black alloys.
The Market for Iconic Supercars
The sale of Chassis 062 comes amid a growing interest in classic and rare supercars, driven by collectors and investors alike. The allure of the McLaren F1 lies not only in its rarity but also in its status as a technological marvel of its time. Experts believe that the car’s value will continue to appreciate, as it represents a pinnacle of automotive achievement.
“The McLaren F1 is not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history,” says automotive historian and collector John Doe. “Its design and engineering were ahead of its time, and it remains a benchmark for supercars today.”
As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on Monterey to see if Chassis 062 can indeed break records and cement its place in the annals of automotive history. Whether it achieves the anticipated $23 million or more, its sale will undoubtedly be a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The outcome of this auction could influence the market for classic supercars, potentially driving up values for other rare and iconic models. As investors and collectors continue to seek out these automotive masterpieces, the legacy of the McLaren F1 remains as strong as ever.
