Rare McLaren F1 on track to smash records at auction

An ultra-rare McLaren F1 could be set to become the most expensive British car ever sold at auction when it goes under the hammer on August 15.

Included as part of RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, the F1 LM is valued at $23 million (£19 million) which if achieved, will eclipse the $22.5 million (£18.5 million) achieved by an Aston Martin DBR1 in 2017.

The McLaren completed the first six years of its life as a standard F1, but was upgraded to LM specification by the Woking-based manufacturer in 2000. It’s one of just two cars to be upgraded in such a way.

Its engine was given a tune-up, while the brakes and exhaust were upgraded too. A range of aerodynamic features, such as a high-downforce kit and a large rear wing, were installed as part of the LM package as well.

Two additional radiators helped with cooling, while the interior was re-trimmed in cream leather with beige and brown Alcantara accents. The standard 17-inch alloys were upgraded to 18-inch versions too.

Though one of the fastest cars ever produced, this particular F1 has just 13,352 miles on the clock and has been regularly serviced by McLaren Special Vehicle Operations.

Given that there are just two F1 models equipped with the powerful F1 LM racing engine, it’s likely that there will be a huge amount of interest in the McLaren when it heads under the hammer next week.