Iconic McLaren F1 vehicle listed at an unprecedented price.
McLaren F1 GTR 27R: A Rare and Valuable Road-Legal Supercar
The McLaren F1 GTR 27R is a unique and highly sought-after supercar, boasting a rich racing history and a remarkable transformation from a race car to a road-legal vehicle.
History
Originally developed for the 1995 IMSA series and Le Mans endurance racing, the McLaren F1 GTR 27R was based on the production McLaren F1 supercar designed by Gordon Murray. The racing version was debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, where it competed in the GT class with minimal modifications beyond upgraded suspension, carbon brakes, and a roll cage. The car was powered by a tuned 6.1L BMW V12 engine producing around 635 bhp.
The 27R chassis, specifically built for racing, featured aerodynamic and weight-saving modifications suited for endurance racing. It competed in various races, including Le Mans and IMSA events.
Modifications during Race to Road Conversion
After its racing career, chassis #27R was converted back into a civilian version. This conversion involved removing race-specific features such as the roll cage and strip-down interior, and reinstating or upgrading creature comforts and safety equipment to meet street-legal standards.
The conversion preserved key mechanical elements like the V12 engine and lightweight carbon/keslar body, maintaining high performance akin to the original road car while allowing a road-legal driving experience. Modifications typically included fitted catalytic converters, silencers, modified aerodynamics for street compliance, and the restoration of interior trim with luxury materials.
Current Value
As one of the very few race-to-road converted McLaren F1 GTRs, the 27R is extremely rare and collectible. McLaren F1s are famously among the most valuable modern supercars, often fetching tens of millions of dollars at auction. Race chassis converted to road cars are especially prized for their unique history and provenance.
Recent private sales of similar McLaren F1 chassis have seen values exceed $20 million USD, depending on condition, mileage, and documented history. The conversion to civilian form enhances appeal to collectors seeking a rare, operable supercar with authentic race DNA, often further increasing its valuation.
Key Features
- The suspension of the McLaren F1 GTR number 27R was modernized.
- The driver in the McLaren F1 GTR number 27R is seated in the center, while two passengers can be seated on the sides. This modification allows for three people to be seated in the car.
- Smaller diameter wheels were installed on the McLaren F1 GTR number 27R for improved urban usability.
- The McLaren F1 GTR number 27R also participated in the 24-hour marathon at Le Mans, driven by legendary Japanese racer Keichi Tsuchiya.
- Only 28 McLaren F1 GTR racing models were produced, with one adapted for public roads.
In summary, the McLaren F1 GTR 27R began as a purpose-built race car for the mid-1990s endurance series, was later converted to a road-legal civilian version with restored luxury and compliance features, and today commands a multi-million dollar value as a rare and historically significant supercar. Its combination of racing heritage, unique engineering, and road usability makes it a highly coveted collector's car.
This rare McLaren F1 GTR 27R, once a competitive race car, now stands as a testament to its owner's luxurious lifestyle, boasting a unique blend of sports car precision and car collector prestige. After ending its Le Mans endurance racing career, the 27R underwent transformative modifications, including the inclusion of cars features such as fitted catalytic converters, luxury interior trim, and smaller diameter wheels, tailored for street use while preserving its sporty performance.
