The McLaren F1 is the greatest supercar of all time. It was designed and built by some of the finest minds of the day and incorporated the absolute precision of Formula 1 to create a machine that had no equal. At the time of its launch, the model was met with great acclaim and the positive public perception has only increased over the years, with it becoming one of the most celebrated sports cars to have ever been produced.
Chassis 009 was the eighth McLaren F1 built and the only example to be built for the Australian market. It was finished in the most desired F1 colour of Magnesium Silver, over a grey/black trim with a light grey driver’s seat and luggage colour. As confirmed by its Vehicle Build Record, the car was ordered with the special fittings of Michelin tyres and extra-long seat belts. It was configured with pedal position C (meaning long), clutch footrest position C (meaning long), steering wheel height A (meaning high), steering wheel reach B (meaning middle) and seat size C (meaning tall wide). Interestingly, this was the first car to have a new moulded wide seat and it was requested that the passenger seat be as wide a hip level as possible.
Prior to delivery, the car underwent a number of high-speed tests, carried out by McLaren engineers and drivers who had been involved in the project from the start. One such test driver was Bruce McIntosh who, alongside Gordon Murray and Ron Dennis, had spent a number of years with the Brabham Formula One team and prior to that had been mechanic for the likes of Innes Ireland. When the F1 project started, Gordon Murray wanted a team around him that he knew he could trust and so he brought in talented people like Bruce. We know Bruce well and he has recently confirmed to us that he remembers chassis 009 and has fond memories of taking it for its shakedowns.
The car recently arrived in the UK and was immediately sent to McLaren Special Operations for a major service and complete check over. The work includes but is not limited to; their arrival and safety checks, any 3 year life items, any 5 year life items, a major service which includes replacing the spark plugs, carrying out a brake and clutch fluid change, changing the antifreeze, completing an air con service, fitting new tyres, replacing the fuel tank (including the fuel pumps and breather system), replacing the clutch, carrying out a reverse gear modification, rebuilding the alternator, replacing the left and right-hand primary door seals and carrying out a damper service. In addition, two shakedown tests are to be carried out. The in-depth nature of the work highlights the ongoing meticulous care the car has received whilst with its most recent owner.
Following the service by McLaren, chassis 009 will be ready to be used and enjoyed. It offers its next custodian the chance to own a very special piece of automotive history and a car that benefits from only two owners from new, including 20 years with its most recent owner. It comes complete with all its factory-delivered F1 accessories, including the very rare TAG Heuer commemorative watch, its leather-cased owner’s handbook, the original luggage set, Facom garage tool chest, original tool roll and in addition a leather-bound limited-edition copy of ‘Driving Ambition’.
The model’s rarity isn’t too dissimilar to the Ferrari 250 GTO but it will certainly resonate much better with the new blood coming into the market over the coming years. It was designed and built by some of the finest minds of the day and incorporated the absolute precision of Formula One to create a machine that had no equal. At the time of its launch, the model was met with great acclaim and the positive public perception has only increased over the years, with it becoming one of the most celebrated sports cars to have ever been produced.
