Will This Iconic McLaren F1 Crush Its Previous $20 Million Record? The Supercar World Holds Its Breath

Imagine a supercar so rare that its mere appearance on the auction block sends ripples through the automotive world. The McLaren F1, a legend wrapped in Creighton Brown and boasting a mere 390 km on its odometer, is back under the gavel. In 2021, this automotive masterpiece set the auction world ablaze, fetching an astounding $20,465,000. Fast forward to today, and it's poised to do it all over again.

This isn't just any McLaren F1; it's the world's only brown-on-brown model, initially finding a home in Japan before making its way to the U.S. Along with its rare color scheme, it was delivered with exclusive accessories including custom-fit luggage, a FACOM tool chest, a tool roll, and a bespoke Tag Heuer 6000 chronometer, all designed to mirror the car's unparalleled luxury and performance.

Since shattering sale expectations in 2021 at Gooding & Company’s Monterey Car Week auction, this iconic three-seater has added a mere three miles to its odometer. Its value, however, has only grown, with experts like Hagerty’s Andrew Newton speculating that its worth is far from peaked. Drawing parallels with the legendary Ferrari GTO, Newton suggests the McLaren F1's financial trajectory is on par with the most revered collectibles in the automotive realm.

The McLaren F1 and the Ferrari 250 GTO share several similarities, including their rarity, track dominance, naturally aspirated V-12 engines, and exclusive owner clubs, positioning them as apex predators of their respective eras. The comparison raises an intriguing prospect: Could the F1's value soar to the heights of the GTO, crossing into the realm of $36M to $70M?

As the automotive and collector world watches, the unique McLaren F1 takes center stage at Sotheby’s Sealed in New York. There, in a sealed bids auction, bidders will vie for the chance to own a piece of automotive history. The final sale price remains a tantalizing mystery, fueling speculation and excitement over whether this supercar will surpass its previous record-setting sale.

With its blend of exclusivity, unparalleled design by Gordon Murray, and minimal mileage, the McLaren F1 represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence and collector desire. As it prepares for its auction debut on May 13, one question remains: How high will bidders go to claim this piece of automotive royalty?