The 1994 McLaren F1 is more than just a car, it is the benchmark of modern supercar history. With a price tag of $21 million, chassis 014 represents a rare opportunity to own one of the most celebrated automotive creations ever built.
McLaren F1: A Formula 1-Inspired Road Car
When Gordon Murray envisioned the McLaren F1, the goal was not speed records but driving perfection. Yet the result was extraordinary. Powered by a 6.1-litre BMW V12 engine producing 627 horsepower, the F1 reached a record-breaking 391 km/h. That run, completed by Andy Wallace, remains the fastest top speed for a naturally aspirated road car.
Power and Performance of the 1994 McLaren F1
The 6,064-cc BMW V12 engine defines the F1’s legend. With 627 hp delivered to the rear wheels, it propelled the car to a top speed few have since matched. Weighing less than 1,200 kilograms, it blends raw performance with meticulous engineering. A six-speed manual gearbox ensures direct driver engagement, while the car’s aerodynamics balance beauty with efficiency.
A Rare Chassis with Brunei Provenance
Out of just 64 road cars, this is the 14th built. Delivered new to the Brunei Royal Family in Titanium Yellow, chassis 014 has a royal heritage. Later exported to the United Kingdom and the United States, it passed through several discerning owners before undergoing a full transformation.
Rebuilt at McLaren Woking
In 2007, McLaren rebuilt chassis 014 to tailor it to its owner’s vision. Its livery changed to Ibis White, and it received the coveted High-Downforce Kit. This package added a fixed rear spoiler, GTR-style front bumper and splitter, and LM-style louvres. Inside, it gained an LM-specification cabin with carbon fibre and race-inspired seating. The work, costing over $500,000, transformed the car into one of the most desirable F1s.
Unique Details and Star Signatures
Before its rebuild, the door sill carried Michael Schumacher’s autograph, dating back to 1996. After its transformation, Lewis Hamilton added his signature to the luggage compartment. These personal touches connect the car to two of Formula 1’s greatest champions.
A Car That Lives on the Road
Unlike many supercars locked away in collections, this F1 was enjoyed. From New York to California, it was seen on public roads, fulfilling Gordon Murray’s vision of a car designed for driving. Even with mileage climbing past 13,000 miles, it remains in outstanding condition thanks to careful servicing, including a major engine-out overhaul in 2018.
Collectibility Beyond Compare
Chassis 014 comes with its original Facom tool chest and luggage set. Its provenance, upgrades, and McLaren factory rebuild make it one of the most desirable F1s in existence. With its combination of Brunei heritage, LM-specification interior, and High-Downforce Kit, it offers exclusivity unmatched even in the rarefied world of the McLaren F1.
Summary
The 1994 McLaren F1 stands as one of the greatest road cars ever built. Chassis 014, valued at $21 million, carries royal provenance, unique upgrades, and signatures from racing legends. For any collector, it is a piece of automotive history that bridges Formula 1 technology with road-going brilliance.
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Source & Details: rmsothebys.com
