What:Â 1996 McLaren F1 GTR
Color:Â Blood Red (bloodred;Â non-metallic UNI; unknown; McLaren)
Chassis:Â :Â 10R
Mileage:Â see listing
Price:Â Estimated +$35,000,000
Location: RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction, Monterey, CA
Listing:Â Link
Among the headline consignments for RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale this August is one of the most significant McLaren F1 GTRs ever offered publicly. Chassis 10R, a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR with a single private owner since leaving the factory, carries an estimate in excess of $35 million.
Built as the first of just nine 1996-specification F1 GTRs, 10R was retained by McLaren as its factory development and promotional car. It is also one of only two short-tail F1 GTR prototype chassis, alongside the 1995 Le Mans-winning 01R. The car participated in testing and pre-qualifying for the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans before McLaren ultimately raced sister chassis 11R in the event.
The 1996 specification is widely regarded as the ultimate evolution of the short-tail F1 GTR. Revised aerodynamics, a lighter magnesium gearbox housing and other chassis developments made it the quickest version of the model before the arrival of the long-tail cars for 1997. Only nine examples were produced.
What distinguishes 10R from the other eight cars is its history after leaving the factory. McLaren retained it until 1999, when it was sold directly to Pink Floyd drummer and noted collector Nick Mason. Before delivery, the factory converted the car for road use, with further work completed by Lanzante, whose team had overseen McLaren’s winning effort at Le Mans in 1995. Mason has remained the car’s only private owner.
The car is equally well known for its appearance. Finished in a factory-designed scarlet and yellow livery, it is the only McLaren F1 GTR to wear this distinctive color scheme, earning the nickname “The Pop Art F1.” Throughout Mason’s ownership it has appeared at events including Goodwood and Rétromobile while being maintained and restored by Lanzante as required.
For collectors, the combination of factory prototype status, Le Mans development history, one-owner provenance and factory road conversion places 10R among the most important McLaren F1s in existence. It also represents a significant moment in GT racing history, as the F1 GTR is widely regarded as the last outright Le Mans winner developed directly from a road-going GT car.
When bidding opens in Monterey, 10R is expected to be one of the most closely watched cars of the week, offering collectors an opportunity to acquire a McLaren F1 GTR with factory provenance, documented competition history and ownership that has remained unchanged for more than 25 years.
photos: Alex Penfold, Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
