The historic and epic 1994 McLaren F1 GTR
The Concours of Elegance in 2020 had on display, not one, not two, but three McLaren F1 GTRs, from 1994 to 1996. Having already shared with you the history of the 95 and 96 models, today comes the story of the earliest model.
For many fans, the McLaren F1 is the greatest supercar ever built. Powered by the BMW S70/2 V12 engine, it was the fastest production car of its time, designed and built by British automobile manufacturer McLaren. Gordon Murray conceived the original concept, and he convinced company boss Ron Dennis to back the project. Peter Stevens was engaged to design the car’s exterior and interior.
The McLaren F1 GTR is a racing variant of the F1, and it was first produced in 1995 for grand touring-style racing. Eligible series included the BPR Global GT Series, FIA GT Championship, JGTC, and British GT Championship.
This car (chassis no. 01R) is a prototype F1 GTR, and the first of nine GTR versions constructed. Originally painted McLaren Orange and Silver during test and development of the new race-car programme, it was subsequently loaned to Japanese businessman Motokazu Sayama. He wanted his medical supplies company, Ueno Clinic, to be the title sponsor of a GTR at Le Mans in 1995.
On June 18, 1995 Masanori Sekiya became the first Japanese driver to win at the Le Mans 24 Hours, piloting chassis no. 01R alongside Yannick Dalmas and JJ Lehto. The race began dry, but it notoriously turned into one of the wettest events on record, with steady rain for 17 of the 24 hours. After qualifying in ninth place, remarkable driving saw car no.59 driven by Kokusai Kaihatsu UK Racing steadily make its way up the leader board. With just under two hours to go, it took a lead it would never relinquish.01R won the race, finishing a lap clear of the second-place Courage C34. F1 GTRs were also third, fourth, fifth, and 13th.
After the race, this car was returned to McLaren, and it has remained on display in the company’s collection to this day with the occasional outing to wow its fans. In fact, 20 years on from the famous win, car no. 59 led a parade lap of the legendary circuit prior to the lights going green for the 83rd running of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
ENGINE
6.0-litre V12 BMW S70/2, double overhead camshaft, fuel injection
CONFIGURATION
Rear-mid engine, six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, carbon fibre monocoque chassis, double-wishbone suspension, Brembo brake discs all round.
What a car. McLaren please let us have a drive. I promise I’ll be responsible.
