1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car for sale in Japan
1997 McLaren F1 GTR "Long-Tail" - click above for a high res image gallery
For those whose cash reserves have not been completely depleted by the current global recession, a very special car is currently up for sale in Japan via Wintel. This racer is one of ten long-tail McLaren F1 GTRs built especially for the 1997 FIA GT season.
The F1 GTR first hit the track in 1995 when a model barely removed from the roadgoing version raced to victory at Le Mans. By 1997, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had seen the writing on the wall, and combined with the series' updated rules, had created their own competitors, including the CLK-GTR and the 911 GT1. McLaren's 97 F1 GTR had all-new bodywork with a longer nose and tail that reduced drag and dramatically increased downforce. By this time, the new purpose-built Mercedes and Porsche cars were regularly outrunning the McLaren, although the latter did manage 197 mph on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. There is no indication of a price tag, although if you have to ask...
Gallery: McLaren F1 GTR - Gulf Davidoff
[Source: Wintel.co.jp]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jon 7:10PM (6/29/2009)
that car is still incredibly sexy
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Al Terego 6:21AM (6/30/2009)
Bulbous purple shift knob ftw!!!
Javanese 6:21AM (6/30/2009)
It sounds even better in real life... imagine a girl screaming in "crisis" (as clarkson would say) behind you every time you touch the throttle. I had the privileged of touching and watching it in action a couple of year ago (in yellow corn livery). Still sent shivers up my spine every time i think about that V12 @ 8000rpm.
To be honest i think this is have been on sale since 2005, nobody seems to be interested to buy it. The last I remember, the price was $1.2 million with spares (IIRC it includes a 2nd gearbox, suspension bits, 2 sets of wheels and tires.) Must be worth more now...
Assass1n 7:20PM (6/29/2009)
OMG... the things I would do to have that car. Amazing still, how that car looks modern even 15 years after production ceased.
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homunculus 7:30PM (6/29/2009)
probably because ferrari stole so many lines from this car.
fmwso 7:37PM (6/29/2009)
i completely agree with you, this car looks incredibly good after all these years.
imirk 7:28PM (6/29/2009)
I need to go change my pants ...
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bgkeen 7:46PM (6/29/2009)
Gulf livery FTW
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Doug 7:49PM (6/29/2009)
I have to agree that that is one sexy car. However, in trying to read up on the history I noticed some bad translating in the listing. I think I could make out that it was a backup and never actually raced, hence it's immaculate condition. Does no race history mean it will be worth less or more???
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Andre 8:07PM (6/29/2009)
I think it would depend on the person. I would consider it more valuable when never raced for it's overall condition would be better. Some people would consider the raced one to be of higher value because it's been in professional races.
2004m3driver 9:24PM (6/29/2009)
Usually if it wins races, it has more value. These are purely collector items. The people who buy these cars could probably have a dozen track weapons to toss around. You're paying for history.
Amien 7:53PM (6/29/2009)
Some lucky SOB will get to own this, how awesome would it be to be that guy?
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dougefresh 9:18PM (6/29/2009)
This car is stunningly pretty to look at. I really find it hard to believe that it's design is that old. Job well done McLaren.
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why not the LS2LS7? 9:28PM (6/29/2009)
I'd rather have it in the Yellow Corn livery.
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PumaGTO 10:10PM (6/29/2009)
Let´s be honest here... Anyone in this forum would want that car. Even in pink covered with barbie and unicorn stickers.
Kevin 2:04AM (6/30/2009)
"Let´s be honest here... Anyone in this forum would want that car. Even in pink covered with barbie and unicorn stickers."
Dude, you totally promised you wouldn't tell anyone.
Xa 10:23PM (6/29/2009)
that davidoff livery is...... fresh.
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JDM Life 10:34AM (7/10/2009)
Jesus Christ.
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Curt 11:58PM (6/29/2009)
It will probably end up in Dubai or Saudi Arabia.
Some rich oil sheikh will be enjoying that car.
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Flyboy 12:03AM (6/30/2009)
I BID MY RIGHT TESTICLE
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