As far as supercars go, few embody the kind of
legend that the McLaren F1 still does to this day. It was the first road car
produced by the racing team, the fastest thing on the road in
its time, and remains one of the most sought-after vehicles among collectors.
Unfortunately very few were imported to the United
States and federalized to US regulations. Only seven out of the 64 made, to be
specific. This was not just one of them – it was the first. The owner who
imported it 22 years ago has held onto it ever since, but now he's putting it
up for auction.
Chassis number 044 was actually the 37th McLaren F1
built, painted silver with a black and grey Connolly leather interior, and
adapted to US regulations by Ameritech. Fortunately the modifications made to
meet those regulations were all reversible, and the Mac was returned to
original factory specifications immediately after passing the necessary tests.
And so it remains today, completely unmodified, but meticulously and professionally
cared-for by McLaren and by BMW North America throughout its life.
The vehicle has only 9,600 miles on the odometer,
about half of which was accrued after the owner picked it up from the factory,
and with two of his best friends, took it on an epic road trip from Woking
through France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It still has its
original luggage set, detailing kit, tool roll, mechanic's gloves, owner's
manual, documentation, and everything else that came with it from the factory.
It's not every day that a McLaren F1 comes up for
sale, let alone one so well preserved. So you can bet that when Bonhams drops
the gavel on August 18 at the Quail Lodge, 044 will have achieved an
eye-wateringly yet suitably stratospheric price.
