A rare road-legal F1 GTR, which is one of just 28 ever made, is heading under the hammer for £15.5m.
This incredible 1997 McLaren F1 GTR is a part of motoring history.
The rapid motor brought home the first ever race win for a longtail-bodied F1 GTR, after claiming victory on its racing debut in the 1997 British GT Championship at Silverstone.
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Now the vehicle is looking for a new owner – who amazingly will be able to use it on the road, with its taxes paid and registration in the UK complete.
The McLaren has a blistering top speed of 197mph, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Powered by a roaring 6.0-litre BMW S70/3 naturally aspirated V12 engine, the motor produces a whopping 600 horsepower.
Only 28 F1 GTRs were ever built – with just 10 models configured in the 1997-specification, longtail form.
In its racing days, the car was driven by former McLaren Grand Prix icons Stefan Johansson, Gary Ayles, and Chris Goodwin.
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After its retirement, the vehicle was restored and converted for road use by F1 specialists Lanzante Limited.
The consigning owner acquired the McLaren in 2018 following a service which cost just over £53,000.
RM Sotheby’s are now offering the vehicle for auction with a guide price of £15.5m.
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Located in Oxford, the motor will be heading under the hammer on 5 Mar.
A spokesperson for RM Sotheby’s said: “Across the F1 GTR’s three-year production cycle, just 28 examples were constructed, rendering subsequent sales opportunities and consequent admission to that most exclusive of car clubs, necessarily extremely rare and highly coveted.
“Significantly, of those 28, only three chassis – 02R, 12R, and 27R –claimed debut race wins for their particular GTR ‘evolution’.
“This, in conjunction with the car’s heroic efforts both at Le Mans and in the 1997 FIA GT Championship, defines 27R as one of the most historically significant McLaren F1 GTRs ever to be offered for sale.
“In retaining its original Type-S70/3 BMW engine, 27R is highly unusual amongst GTRs, and indeed competition cars in general, while its exacting restoration and sympathetic road conversion by Lanzante Limited have commendably focused on technical accuracy and enhanced everyday practicality.
“Supported as it is by an extensive spares package, history file, and a wealth of contemporary setup data, 27R is fully UK road registered and UK taxes paid so is equally ready for a spectacular and immediate return to either road or track, and would undoubtedly be afforded star billing in whichever arena it appears in the future.”
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