Pop Art F1 GTR

I was only recently chatting about Nick Mason – Pink Floyd drummer – and his Rock Star Car collection.

Well now he is selling one of the top few cars he owns – the first 1996 spec F1 GTR to emerge from the factory in Woking.

In the midst of special cars – they only made 106 of them in total – this was one of the nine made into GTR (racing) spec.  Here’s a bit of a summary:

• Built in December 1995 as chassis 10R, the first McLaren F1 GTR to 1996 specification.
• Retained by McLaren as the factory development (“XP”) car rather than being sold to a customer team.
• One of only two factory prototype short-tail F1 GTRs, alongside the 1995 Le Mans-winning chassis 01R.
• Used extensively during the winter of 1995-96 for testing and development at Magny-Cours.
• Driven during development by works drivers including 1995 Le Mans winner JJ Lehto.
• Played a key role in developing the faster, more aerodynamic 1996-specification F1 GTR.
• Travelled with the McLaren works team throughout the 1996 BPR Global GT Championship in its distinctive factory “Pop Art” livery.
• Completed a 12-hour endurance test in April 1996 to prepare the new specification for Le Mans.
• Entered the official 1996 Le Mans pre-qualifying test by Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing.
• Driven at the Le Mans test by David Brabham.
• Finished 8th in class and 20th overall during the official Le Mans pre-qualifying session.
• After completing its development role, sister chassis 11R was selected to race in the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• Converted by McLaren for road use in 1999 and sold directly to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.
• Today it is regarded as one of the most historically significant McLaren F1 GTRs because of its pivotal role in developing the 1996 works cars, despite its relatively short racing career.

That doesn’t mention the fact that Mr Mason ‘placed’ it in a tyre wall at a demo run in 2017.  I love the fact that there is a ‘106 Driver’s Club’ – that is a very high barrier to entry!

And now, it’s up for sale, in excess of $35m.  Get saving – you have until 15th August.

Here are all the details.

Thanks,
Neil @ Carrosserie
Tel: 01833 630 011

PS. Please contact us to discuss your classic car and what we can do for you.

*Image and link provided by RM Sothebys.