A ‘Pop Art’ F1 McLaren car, formerly owned by Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, is set to sell for a staggering £26m.
The extraordinary 1996 McLaren F1 GTR is on the hunt for a new owner after previously being driven by a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Nick Mason, co-founder and drummer of Pink Floyd, bought the car directly from McLaren in 1999 and kept it for more than 25 years.
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The rock legend is renowned as one of the world’s greatest car collectors, with a garage that includes a Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar D-Type and Porsche 962.
This particular McLaren is regarded as one of the most important F1 GTRs ever produced.
Known as chassis 10R, it was the very first of just nine McLaren F1 GTRs built to 1996 specification – widely considered the fastest and most developed version of the legendary racer.
The motor has a spin tingling top speed of 205mph, as reported by Whats The Jam.
It is equipped with a BMW S70/3, a 6.0-litre, naturally aspirated 60° V12 engine, boasting an impressive 600 brake horsepower.
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The car remained with the McLaren factory after it was completed in December 1995 and served as the manufacturer’s prototype and development vehicle.
It was driven by 1995 Le Mans winner JJ Lehto during winter testing before being campaigned by McLaren Works driver David Brabham during official pre-qualifying for the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Unlike most racing cars of its era, the McLaren was later converted for road use by the factory itself before joining Mason’s celebrated collection.
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It was subsequently refined by McLaren specialists Lanzante and registered for the road as ‘K40 MCL’.
The striking Blood Red paintwork with distinctive yellow ‘96 GTR’ graphics earned the machine the nickname ‘The Pop Art F1’.
It remains the only McLaren F1 GTR to wear its unique factory livery.
The car has been meticulously maintained throughout Mason’s ownership, with specialists Paul and Dean Lanzante carrying out servicing and restorations whenever required.
It has appeared at events including the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, the Festival of Speed and exclusive rallies with the 106 Drivers Club.
The McLaren will go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale in California with an estimate of up to £26m.
A spokesperson for RM Sotheby’s said: “Of the three generations of F1 GTR, it is the 1996 model that offers collectors and drivers the most, combining the good looks of the original short-tail with significant mechanical upgrades.
“Chassis 10R is without doubt the most special, having served as McLaren’s own prototype before passing directly into the hands of its only private owner, rock and roll legend Nick Mason.
“It is the only McLaren F1 GTR to wear its unique factory livery, making it instantly the most recognisable of all McLaren F1s.
“Driven during testing for the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans, converted for road use by the McLaren factory itself and owned by one of Britain’s greatest musicians, it represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic McLarens ever built.”
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