One-Off McLaren F1 GTR Set To Become The Most Expensive McLaren Ever Sold
A Le Mans Legend For Sale
The McLaren F1 GTR cemented itself in automotive history by winning the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans on its competitive debut. Only 28 examples were built, but this particular F1 GTR is arguably the most recognizable and could become the most expensive McLaren ever sold publicly.
Listed by RM Sotheby's, this 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, chassis 10R, features a one-off scarlet-and-yellow factory livery influenced by 1990s pop art. It is one of only two short-tail prototypes and the first of nine examples built to 1996 specification, arguably the fastest and most desirable short-tail variant. RM Sotheby's values the car at more than $35 million, putting it in roughly the same ballpark as the Ferrari 250 GTO.
The Fastest Chapter Of The Short-Tail Story
McLaren initially built nine 1995-spec short-tail examples, with the first, 01R, serving as a development car before winning Le Mans that year. The Woking-based company built another nine short-tails for 1996, featuring upgrades such as a larger front splitter and a lighter magnesium-cased gearbox. Together, the changes reduced weight by 38 kg (84 pounds) and helped it remain competitive against purpose-built challengers such as the Porsche 911 GT1.
The remaining 10 F1 GTRs were built to 1997 "Longtail" specification.
Chassis 10R served as McLaren's development car and participated in pre-qualifying for the 1996 Le Mans, although it did not enter the race itself. It was later converted for road use before being sold in 1999 to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who remains its sole private owner. Mason's collection has also included a Ferrari 250 GTO, Maserati 250F, and Bugatti Type 35.
Power comes from a 6.1-liter naturally aspirated BMW Motorsport V12 producing about 600 horsepower in competition trim.
A Record Waiting To Fall
Chassis 10R has experienced several incidents. Following a 2009 Autocar test, another journalist lost control and ended up in a wheat field. Mason also went off track and struck a tire wall during the 2017 Goodwood Members' Meeting. Dean Lanzante and Lanzante Limited handled the subsequent restorations. His father, Paul Lanzante, led the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing operation that won the French enduro in 1995.
Earlier this year, chassis 27R was offered through a sealed auction with an estimated value of $18 million to $21 million. Meanwhile, the public auction record for any McLaren belongs to the road-going F1 chassis 014, which sold for $25.3 million in 2025. That makes 10R's valuation of more than $35 million particularly interesting to watch.
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This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 5:48 PM.