1995 McLaren F1 Coupe

The McLaren F1 was built without compromise. It was elegantly engineered, constructed with the finest materials available, and assembled with precision. Aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, and even gold were used during its construction. The development of the engine was spearheaded by BMW Motorsport's Paul Rosche. The normally aspirated V-12 had a tremendous amount of torque and power, and an unforgettable sound. The engine wasn't solely reserved for the road-going F1, as it aided McLaren in capturing the victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans and served in BMW's own racing efforts.

The McLaren F1 was introduced in 1992 as a beautifully engineered super car that was at home on urban streets as it was on closed circuits. It had a center-seat layout and mid-engine placement.

This car, chassis number 031, is the 27th road car produced. It left the factory finished in Marlboro White with black leather and Alcantara with red stitching. The car was sold new to Japanese enthusiast Shin Okamoto in 1995. It was driven minimally while in Okamoto's care. After fifteen years of single ownership, it was sold to a US private collector in the Midwest. Prior to changing hands, the F1 was sent to McLaren's head facility in the United Kingdom in late 2008, where it was thoroughly inspected and serviced.

Recently, the car came into the care of its present owner. It has recently been fitted with a set of new factory wheels finished in black with new tires also acquired from McLaren. The original silver wheels and Michelin tires still remain with the vehicle. The car has a leather-bound case, service and warranty book, spare key, factory luggage, gold-plated titanium tool kit and roll, and Facom F1 rolling toolbox with keys.

The odometer shows just 1,617 km from new. The engine is a BMW S70/2 V-12 unit with a sequential closed-loop fuel injection system and an available 627 horsepower. There are 4-wheel drilled and vented Brembo brakes and an independent double-wishbone suspension.

In 2014, this car was offered for sale by Gooding & Company at the Pebble Beach Concours auction. This Marlboro White supercar (the sole such example in this color scheme) had an estimated value of $12 - $14 million. Bidding failed to reach these estimates, and it would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014