Why this McLaren F1 could cost over $20 million

Unique McLaren F1 from the Sultan of Brunei’s collection set for auction

A historic example with a royal history

A highly anticipated supercar is set to go up for auction in December. It’s not the first McLaren F1 to be sold this year, but what makes this 1994 model special is that it was once part of the Sultan of Brunei’s illustrious car collection. It’s expected to sell for more than $21 million, making it one of the most expensive McLaren F1s ever sold at public auction.

Technical Features and Modifications

McLaren only produced 64 road-going versions of the F1, and this one is chassis number 014. The car was originally painted titanium yellow with a black leather and Alcantara interior. However, unlike the other F1 cars in the Sultan's collection, this one did not remain in the collection for long. It was sold to a buyer in the UK and later became the property of former McLaren Cars director David Clark.

An unnamed collector from New York then owned the car for about three years before moving to California. In 2006, the car changed hands again and was sent to McLaren headquarters for a major overhaul. During this process, it was repainted in its current shade of Ibis White and fitted with a rare aerodynamic kit that includes a large fixed rear wing, an F1 GTR-inspired front bumper and front louvers like the F1 LM.

Exclusivity and state-of-the-art

During the upgrade, the car also received an updated exhaust system, five-spoke OZ Racing alloy wheels and a re-fitted interior to LM specifications. The total cost of the restoration exceeded $500,000. The car also bears Lewis Hamilton’s autograph, which he signed during the 2007 Formula 1 season. The car has spent most of the last decade in the US, but is currently owned by an individual living in Denmark.

This McLaren F1 is in excellent condition and has covered 13,711 miles (22,065 km). It is being sold alongside a Gordon Murray T.50, which is currently owned by the same owner.

Photo: Sam Chick/RM Sotheby’s

The sale of this car could set a new record for a McLaren F1 at public auction, underscoring the continued growth in interest in the iconic supercars of the 1990s. The combination of royal provenance, rare modifications and Hamilton’s name make this lot particularly attractive to serious collectors. The fact that it is being sold alongside the modern successor to the T.50 adds an interesting symbolism to the story, demonstrating the evolution of Gordon Murray’s philosophy.