Mclaren F1 pics

They were *definitely* car guys. Problem is, they were also horse guys, yacht guys, jet guys, business guys (or so they thought), bling guys, mansion guys, resort guys, and anything else guys...with virtually unlimited wealth on tap, they didn't stop to think about things like value. If they liked it, they would buy it, along with a 100 more things like it. On top of that, they had very questionable advisors who often did the buying for them--when it came to cars, though, they made most of the decisions themselves. They simply didn't have the time to pay attention to the collection, were often out of the country, got bored of things easily, and had a million distractions at all times.

I read that the entire crew of one of their huge yachts quit en masse once because in four years, the boat never left port and they never set foot on it.

Some article said they single-handedly kept Aston and Bentley afloat, and, with their one-off commissions, were a great boost to Ferrari's bottom line during hard times as well. That gets a thumbs-up from me.

 

Ron Dennis's car prior to being sold.
Photos taken at the McLaren Genesis HQ/Service workshop in 2003.
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I have some more photos of silver Japanese and UK cars in for service, as well as a blue car that had just gone through refit and upgrade prior to heading to the middle east from the same visit. Sadly reached my attachement limit so if anyone would like to post them on the forum PM me with your email address.

sw

 

I'd be happy to. My username at Hotmail will get the job done.

When did you take these photos by the way?

>8^)
ER

 

They were taken in 2003 on a visit to the Genesis site to pick up a copy of the limited Driving Ambition book.

At the time there were 4 F1's there.

A UK silver car that was in for a service and repair to the front bumper from a badger strike. Interestingly I was told by the staff there that the car was one of the highest mileage cars at 34K miles.

A Japanese silver car over for a major service.

A blue car that had just been retrimed in blue and upgraded with the downforce kit and power upgrade. Apparenlty the car had recently been bought at a UK auction 2002/3 timeframe and was destined for the middle east.

The final car was Ron Dennis car's, which was reportedly for sale with just delivery mileage at offers over £1million.

Also in the workshop was an SLR that the McLaren team were stripping down in order to write the dealer technical repair/service manual.

 

I thought Ron Denis had several F1s?

 

Simon - I'm going to make an educated guess that your trip to the showroom occurred in the latter part of that year - maybe August - December.

The silver UK car with 34K on the clock is a bit of a puzzle. I'll have to think on that one - perhaps a picture of it would help me? Or not, since you say it is silver.

The Japanese car was chassis #006, which had actually remained with its original owner until just last year. It has a new owner, again in Japan, and was recently back at the factory for a complete refit. It has not yet resurfaced, and I have not heard detail of what its new look will be. The family have an LM and GT, and have owned a lot of other F1s over the years, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what they have done with this one.

The blue car you reference is chassis #011. Some of the story you were told is not true. An American collector purchased the car from the Christies Auction held on June 3rd, 2003 so its pending trip to the Middle East was a bit of a farce. I'm actually suprised people at McLaren told you as much as they did, because generally they refrain from those sorts of discussions.

As for the paint and refit of that car, the high downforce kit had been installed as far back as 1998 - see the below photo taken in 1999 inside the factory. Then the respray to Metallic Blue was undertaken in October of 2000. When you saw it there, the only work they may have done is some servicing, or any little tweaks the new owner may have wanted. So far as I can tell, the car is still basically identical today to how it looked when Christies auctioned it.

Based on the timing I suspect you visited, the silver car attributed to Ron Dennis wasn't really his per se - but rather was chassis #065, the car that had been stationed in McLaren's Park Lane showroom since 1997 when it was built. The last photos I have of it while inside the showroom were taken July 23rd, 2003. Then I have photos from September 20th showing XP5, the 5th road car prototype, which is Dark Metallic Green stationed there in #065's place, where it would remain until February 2004. The fact that XP5 was not at the factory is another clue to this, as it was almost always there.

Zack - there have been a couple of cars identified as being "Ron's". The two I am sure of are chassis #003 which he sold to Japan in 1995 and chassis #050 which he may still own today. Of course as a long time majority shareholder in McLaren, you could say that all the factory cars were his essentially, and there's a good chance he has more than just one F1 in his collection. It would not suprise me if he is the owner of GTR #20R that remains on near-permanent display inside the McLaren Technology Centre.

>8^)
ER
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Do you recall if this car had a blue interior? If so, it must be chassis #046, as that seems to be the only silver F1 with a UK registration that would have that sort of mileage on it unless it was also wearing the High Downforce Kit?

>8^)
ER

 

Hi

Your correct, the visit was in November 2003.

At the time I was told they were moving to the old TAG McLaren/Formula One production facility just down the road and where I assume they still are and closing the Genesis office.

The silver 'Ron Dennis' car was indeed the silver car from the park lane showroom.

With regards the 34K car, looking at the photo's (which I've just sent you in an email) it does look to have a blue dash. It was difficult to see inside as it was up on the ramps.

I'm pretty sure they mentioned the blue car was headed to the middle east, but on recollection there was some discussion around maybe the car being sold again after the auction after a sale fell through. Its been a while and my memory is a bit hazzy.

They also told me that many of there cars, such as the XP cars were stored off site, and that when they moved to the new facility they were intending to have the cars on display.

sw

 

I'm pretty sure the blue car is the one sold at Christies in June 2003. It definetly fits the time frame.

"1994 McLAREN F1
Registration No. F1 MAC
Chassis No. SA9AB5AC9R1048011
Engine No. 61121 6041 0669

Metallic blue with tan leather interior; blue alcantara inserts to the drivers seat and beige and blue alcantara inserts to the passenger seats
Engine; V-12 BMW, twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection, 6,064cc, producing 627bhp at 7,500rpm; Gearbox: six-speed manual; Suspension: double unequal length wishbones, Ground Plane Shear Centre sub-frames and anti-roll bar front: Inclined Axis Shear mounting system with toe in/toe out control links rear, alloy dampers, co-axial springs; Brakes: ventilated disc, four piston monobloc light alloy calipers, computer cooling with balance aerofoil. Central steering position.
The idea of creating the ultimate and most exciting road car was conceived as early as 1988 just after the Italian Grand Prix. Following a meeting of minds led by designer Gordon Murray, McLaren declared an intention to build the ultimate road car utilising technology generated from their position as world leaders in the blue riband of motor racing - Formula 1. Six months later an announcement was made to the press at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Rio de Janeiro declaring their intention to build a perfect car 'The best McLaren could make regardless of cost'.
The result was the most sensational combination of styling with performance: the build quality unsurpassed and a design of unparalleled function and purpose. The car featured a BMW engine unit of V-12 configuration at a 60 degree angle, just over six litres in displacement and capable of delivering more that 620 brake horsepower at 7,500 revs per minute. Featuring four valves per cylinder and continuous variable inlet valve timing, the dry sump magnesium cast engine fed power through a transversely mounted six speed gearbox mated to a triple plate carbon clutch with aluminium flywheel. With a power to weight ratio of 550bhp per ton performance was electrifying; 0-60mph could be reached in 3.2 seconds and after passing 100mph at 6.3 seconds it could continue to a maximum speed of 231mph (figures quoted by Autocar). By total contrast the F1 is equally at home in traffic and it is claimed that one can trickle along at 35mph in top gear whilst the engine gently idles - a single gear with an operating field spanning nearly 200mph!
Aside from the mechanical specification the body was equally unique, drawing on McLaren's Formula 1 expertise it was fabricated entirely of carbon fibre composite construction. Unlike other commonly utilised materials in car manufacture, carbon fibre is unperishable; not capable of flex or rusting it is quoted as being able to 'last forever'. With a safety cell to protect the three occupants it provided what was effectively a single seater Grand Prix concept with room for a passenger recessed either side of the central driving position.
The prototype was launched to public scrutiny at Monaco in 1992 where potential customers were able to choose their personal options and even specify their preferred steering wheel and pedal locations. Standard specification was comprehensive and included a gold-plated Facom titanium tool-roll, fitted luggage, magnesium alloy wheels and a specially designed lightweight Kenwood stereo system. In addition to this, a complete Facom tool chest with all McLaren F1 necessary tools was separately included. From this debut it then took nearly two years for the first customer-ordered cars to be delivered in 1994. Praise was unanimous, not least by the few privileged owners but the press alike. In 1998 a McLaren F1 road car was recorded at 386.7kmh 240.14mph and this stands today as the fastest speed ever recorded by a production car. It was claimed that the F1 was never designed as a race car, if that is indeed true the F1 must be the most successful accidental hero ever to grace the racetrack. After a debut win at Le Mans in 1995 the F1 went on to record numerous victories in GT events across the globe including two FIA GT World Championships.
Delivered new to its first UK owner in 1994, the current (second) owner acquired the car in 1998 when it had covered just over 1,000 miles and he immediately commissioned McLaren to fit their race-inspired 'High Downforce Package' to the car. Comprising 18 inch O.Z. wheels, up-rated suspension, a 1995 specification GTR front bumper, front spoiler, fixed rear wing and arch extensions the comprehensive package transforms the car into a truly awesome looking brute with a more pronounced stance. Now a road-worthy incarnation of the ultra-successful GT car, the 'High Downforce Package' dramatically improves high speed road holding and makes for a considerably more reassuring drive.
Upon return to the McLaren factory in November 1999 the car had covered 3,024 miles and due to the owner's usage on the continent, the factory option of a km/h speedometer was fitted to the car, naturally it was re-calibrated to ensure the reading remained constant.
The McLaren factory offers a comprehensive options and upgrade packages and in October 2000 the owner took advantage of this and the car underwent a full retrim and respray to his choice. Unique to this car the exterior benefits from a custom mixed finish achieved by using a silver basecoat with a blue lacquer and the result is truly remarkable, though not of pearlescent composure, the colour radiates in all forms of light. As one would expect the finish is without fault and for supreme peace of mind and long-term protection from stonechips 'Armourfend' (a thin, transparent film) has been applied to the most prone areas such as the nose, headlights and wing mirrors. Equally unique but incredibly complimentary, the seats are trimmed in brown leather; the driver's seat has blue alcantara inserts and the passenger seats feature blue and beige alcantara inserts to 'GT' specification. The interior combination is completed by a light tan alcantara to the headlining, blue alcantara to the dashboard and the carpets are light tan Wilton with black overmats for the passengers.
Other external factory upgrades on this exclusive McLaren include gas discharge headlights, lightly tinted side windows and as a custom request the 'F1' motifs on the doors and the sides of the rear wing have been painted silver. Also uprated is the air conditioning system, larger radiators and a power enhancing sports 'Goodwood' exhaust system which increases brake horse power and torque (the original system also accompanies the car). In the cockpit there is a 14 inch leather-rimmed steering wheel, Nokia car phone and a Phillips satellite navigation system nestles in the left footwell within a custom-made carbon fibre casing. Ingeniously installed is a Motorola radio communication system, with intercoms through Peltor headsets, this enabling passengers to listen to the stereo, navigation or converse with each other whilst on the move. To finish the glorious effect Gordon Murray himself has hand-signed this supercar on the carbon fibre area just above the chassis plate in silver permanent marker.
Having been kept in the UK from new, all service and up-grade work has only ever been carried out by McLaren Cars at their Woking base in the UK - the last service being in 2001, since then the car has been unused but dry stored and regularly run. In fact whilst in the current ownership the car has always resided with McLaren in Woking, forming an impressive display. Currently displaying just over 10,000kms (6,300 miles) this particular McLaren F1 is an excellent example of a superlative breed but in light of its stratospheric capabilities we would recommend a service inspection prior to use. Included is the Facom tool kit, service history, users manuals and the highly appropriate numberplate F1 MAC; the ultimate number for the ultimate road car.

Please note that when originally supplied, the McLaren F1 was not homologated to be imported into the USA. More recently a DOT ruling has stipulated that early examples (cars built before the end of 1995), are eligible (subject to conversion to DOT standards) for use in the United States. Chassis 011 falls into this eligibility window and can be imported into the USA if all regulations are met, therefore Christie's recommends that potential USA-based buyers should satisfy themselves with these related implications prior to the sale.

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/LotFinderImages/D41259/D4125927a.jpg

 

Yes - indeed that is correct.

Thanks for the pictures; here are the first two for everyone elses benefit as well of what should be #046. I'll get the others added in here later on.

>8^)
ER
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This brings up a question I've had for a while now...what kind of miles do these cars have/get? I'm assuming most aren't driven much, if at all

 

From the photos of the blue car it looks like as part of the refit they've changed the interior as the dash looks magnolia, where in the auction photos its a different colour.

Another story they imparted while there was of a Japanese collector that had a couple of F1's which were kept in a room several stories up in a tower block. They were never driven.

Thinking back to the silver showroom car - I think the reason I thought it was Ron Dennis car was that the person who showed me round said "the car is for sale, but Ron (Dennis) is looking for over a £1million for it"

During the visit they gave me a tour of the car and were more than happy for me to sit in it.
I found the staff very freindly and quite happy to answer any question.

sw

 

hind sight being 20/20....could you imagine if you had the cash back then and ordered pretty much 1 of each of these. Basically a 100% return on all your investment. Not to mention the fun of driving them. I wonder if McLaren would have sold that many to one person without them being a sultan if you will!

on another note, what does member Dan360's look like, cause i see he has one listed as part of his stable....

 

Peloton,
I didn't mean that all the cars belonged to him, rather, I was referring to the cars that he specifically owned. I was told by the curator of Vijay Mallya's collection, that Ron Denis personally owns several, but I am more inclined to believe you.

Simonw,
the cars in Japan are on a second or third storey of a building adjoining a casino that is owned by the same guy, and most of them don't get driven often. Simply because there are so many of them, and they are not the kind you drive everyday. It's open to the public. There's an FXX, F50, F40, various race and rally cars, etc., etc., and of course, the McLarens, including an F1 racecar. They do get taken out to the track for some event once a year. There should be a few pictures on the web.

 

Kevin, Mclaren would have sold you 1, several, or all of their cars, so long as you could pay. There was no requirement that you be a known celebrity, or a potentate. You'd have had a nice return, but with maintenance and insurance, I don't know if it would have been 100% if you actually used your cars.

 

That'll be ZAZ and thanks for the pics - Hurry up Erik

 

Only a handful of cars have seen that kind of mileage. The other ones I can recall off the top of my head are XP5, #020, #038, #040 and #061.

Dan's F1 is chassis #068. Here's some recent photos from his trip to Monterey:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3835533356_11bdf44e96_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3993356213_7739c8ccff_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4300996077_1b3a28f353_o.jpg

And Automobile Magazine printed an article called "Supercars Across America" chronicling their trip which you can read here:

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/great_drives/0911_supercars_1997_mclaren_f1_2008_ferrari_612_scaglietti_ferrari_scuderia_spider_16m_bertone_mantide/index.html

I saw and rode in #068 back in 2005 when it was purchased by its previous owner. You can see my gallery of photos of the car here:

Flickr: McLaren F1 #068 - Monterey, CA - August 20th, 2005

Vijay was at one time rumored to own a McLaren F1. Would you know anything about that perhaps?

ZAZ sold their F1 GTR in (I think) 2006. Their collection includes LM2 and 58F1GT, both on display in the museum, and then #006 now, which may or may not end up in the museum as I am told it is owned by the son.

You can see some photos from the ZAZ Museum at this link:

http://www.motoyen.com/museums/zaz-automotive-museum

The museum also has a website now:

http://motorsports.zent.co.jp/zazm.html

I am in the office today, so the rest of Simon's pics will have to wait until I get home.

>8^)
ER

 

I know what you know about Vijay Mallya--that he has a red one in Monaco. Who knows if it's the truth or not.

As for ZAZ, they sold a white F1 they had, IIRC. Is that one of the chassis numbers you have? Their mechanic/chief curator has said (via an interpreter) the F1 is the best car he has ever driven--the Ferraris and racecars do not compare. He had to deliver it to Narita airport when it was time for the car to be shipped back, and he was allowed to use a runway that was shut down for maintenance for some high speed runs.

Though the cars are not driven more than a couple of times a year, all of them are registered and plated. Ready to go, if you will! ;-)

 

Yes, the white road car was chassis #053. Supposedly that one did head for the Middle East after leaving Japan and spending a bit of time with McLaren in the UK.

Their GTR was #13R and went to a German who had McLaren convert it for road use. It's now for sale again, currently through Kidston SA.

Here's a photo from the Japanese "Rosso" magazine taken in 2005 before those two cars were sold and the F1 GT was refitted:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Peloton25/McLaren%20F1/mclarens_1024.jpg

>8^)
ER

 

Thank you Erik. I have that article at home so I am very familiar now with who Dan360 is! I have to say, i get excited everytime I see there are new posts in this thread!! Great info guys!

 

are the F1's flown back to the UK,or put onto container ships?

man i love this whole mystery stuff,but at the same time it's annoying as these car's are the cream of the crop,if i could,i'd try and buy all the ones that are in "storage" or parked up,one day....

 

For the minimal cost (relatively speaking) and speed of transport, I assume most of them get flown around the world. The less time spent in the hands of a shipper, likely the safer the car would be from any damage. I certainly would not consider sea-based transport if I owned one. I've got a few photos of them strapped to air cargo pallets, including shots of #053 actually inside a plane.

There are authorized McLaren service centers in a few locations around the world, so the cars don't always have to travel back to the factory. The fact that #006 was back there in 2003 may have meant it was in for a more extensive job then a service center traditionally handles (it would have been almost 10 years old at that point), or perhaps that car's owner just preferred the factory do all the work?

McLaren also will send someone to the car to do the service work, which is where that rolling FACOM toolchest comes in handy. This is probably not a unique occurrence, but I know of one car that had an engine-out service done very far from any F1 service center or the factory, with the assistance of a McLaren technician who was flown in. I've also heard of instances where the factory will train your own mechanic to do the basic maintenance on the car.

The support for these cars is only comparable to something like Ferrari's Classiche division, the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust or Mercedes Benz Classic Center. Even then, I think McLaren exceeds them all and is leagues better than anything offered by other supercar manufacturers of that era. Bugatti has something similar now for the Veyron, likely influenced by former CEO, Thomas Bscher's, experiences from his own McLaren F1 ownership experience.

>8^)
ER

 

Richard broke the transmission in his car. I was on a road trip with him when it happened (but he was the one that broke it!). We had the car trucked back to his house. The factory shipped him a "loaner transmission" and he shipped the factory the broken one. His factory-trained employee did the swap in his home-shop. The factory repaired his broken transmission and sent it back to him, then he returned the loaner. The deposit on the loaner was $125K, the repair to the broken one was about $60K I think.