
This McLaren F1, one of only seven ever imported into the United States when new, could make history next month as the most valuable example of the breed ever to be sold at auction. Chassis 062 is among the headliners for RM Sotheby’s upcoming event in Monterey on August 16, and according to official auction house estimates, this McLaren could sell for upwards of $23 million.
To put that titanic figure into perspective, you could buy 10 McLaren’s limited edition Speedtails or this McLaren Solus GT and still have some cash left over. Moreover, should that estimate be realized, it would smash the previous record for a McLaren F1 at auction – $20,465,000 – by more than $2.5 million USD.
The Legacy of McLaren F1
Founded on December 2, 1985, as McLaren Cars, the brand was revived in 2010 as McLaren Automotive. The company, founded by Bruce McLaren and Ron Dennis, is headquartered in Woking, England, and is owned by the McLaren Group, with Mumtalakat Holding Company as a major stakeholder. The current CEO, Michael Leiters, continues to steer the company towards innovation and excellence.
The McLaren F1, designed by Gordon Murray, has long been celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to automotive engineering. Its status as a collector’s item has only grown over the years, with each auction setting new benchmarks for value.
Current Record Holders
The aforementioned $20.4 million figure was recorded when a Creighton Brown example, built in 1995 and with only 242 miles on the clock, went under the hammer with Gooding & Company back in 2021. Remarkably, this figure was already $660,000 more than the $19,805,000 spent on a one-of-two, Le Mans-tribute F1 LM in 2019, also with RM Sotheby’s.
Moreover, a $23 million winning bid could potentially make chassis 062 among the top 15 most valuable cars ever sold at auction. This would beat the $22.5 million USD price for a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Roadster (sold with RM Sotheby’s in 2017), the $22.05 million for a 1956 Ferrari 290 MM (RM, 2018), and the $21.78 million for a 1955 Jaguar D-Type (RN, 2016). Granted, there’s still some way to go to match the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut Coupe,’ which sold for a staggering $142 million in 2022.
Chassis 062: A Unique History
Chassis 062 was, rather intriguingly, the 53rd example of Gordon Murray’s masterpiece to be built in 1997. Finished in Magnesium Silver, it has had just three owners since then – all of them, coincidentally, based in San Francisco’s Bay Area. It was one of only seven F1s officially imported to the US. Although the F1 was never officially sold in the US, federal laws mandating modifications to the engine, exhaust, and fuel systems to meet domestic emissions standards allowed some to sneak through.
It’s believed that this invasive work was only completed and checked on the first model imported. That means Chassis 062 featured here may have stayed largely untouched since it left Woking. Despite there being only 6,500 miles on the clock, 062 was sent to McLaren Special Operations for a full service, new radiators, and upgrades to the air conditioning before taking part in the 20th F1 Anniversary Tour in 2012. Further upgrades from MSO include a new aluminum fuel tank and a sports exhaust. Plus, while the model sits on its original magnesium wheels, a bespoke set of matte black alloys are included.
Implications for the Collector’s Market
The potential sale of Chassis 062 for $23 million is not just a testament to the car’s engineering marvel but also highlights the increasing value of rare automobiles in the collector’s market. According to industry experts, the demand for unique and historically significant cars has been on the rise, driven by a combination of nostalgia, investment potential, and the sheer thrill of owning a piece of automotive history.
As the auction approaches, collectors and enthusiasts alike will be watching closely. Should the McLaren F1 achieve or exceed its estimated sale price, it would not only set a new record for the model but also reaffirm the enduring allure of the McLaren marque.
The auction at RM Sotheby’s in Monterey is poised to be a landmark event, potentially reshaping the landscape of automotive auctions and setting new precedents for future sales. As the world watches, Chassis 062 may very well drive its way into the history books once again.