McLaren F1 GTR 'Longtail' from the street-legal year of 1997 detailed in a series of captivating photos.
The Legendary 1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Longtail": A Pinnacle of GT Racing
The 1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Longtail" is a rare and significant race car variant, crafted for endurance racing. Only ten Longtail versions were built, with chassis 23R being the fifth, which famously ran in the BMW-backed Team Schnitzer livery known as "Fina" during the 1997 season.
This iconic race car was equipped with a BMW-built 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing approximately 600 hp at 7,500 rpm, mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The Longtail's carbon fiber chassis and bodywork ensured strength and light weight, making it the lightest F1 model until 2015.
In 1997, the Longtail was extensively campaigned by BMW Team Schnitzer, with drivers like Peter Kox and Roberto Ravaglia at the helm. The car achieved notable victory at Silverstone and second place at Sebring during the racing season. After 1997, the Longtail cars were retired from competition, preserved by BMW before eventually being sold to private collectors.
The Longtail name and styling pay homage to earlier racecar design philosophy emphasizing extended rear aerodynamic profiles for endurance racing, like the Porsche 917 Longtail. The 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail embodied the peak of 1990s GT racing technology with its extreme lightness, powerful yet naturally aspirated engine, and innovative composite construction.
In recent years, the Longtail model remains iconic, inspiring homages such as the McLaren P1 GTR-18 and Gordon Murray’s modern Le Mans GTR, which celebrate the design and performance ideals of these legendary cars. The original cars continue to be highly prized by collectors and are occasionally driven at historic racing events.
Bryan Hood, a digital staff writer at a leading motorsport website, has covered the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Longtail" extensively in his work. Prior to his current role, Bryan Hood worked for the New York Post, Artinfo, and New York magazine, where he honed his skills in reporting on a variety of topics, including celebrity gossip.
The 1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Longtail" raced in the Le Mans race in 1997, but Bryan Hood's work does not provide new information about the Le Mans race itself. Nonetheless, his articles offer a captivating insight into the history, technology, and enduring legacy of this legendary race car.
- Bryan Hood's extensive coverage of the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Longtail" in his digital articles showcases its influence on modern race cars like the McLaren P1 GTR-18 and Gordon Murray’s Le Mans GTR, highlighting its significance in the realm of sports and lifestyle.
- The 1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Longtail" had a long-lasting impact on the sports car world, not only in racing but also in car design and culture, with its striking appearance and groundbreaking technology echoing in contemporary models, embodying a unique blend of sports, cars, and lifestyle.
