McLaren is set to auction five iconic Formula One cars, all driven by champions, including the legendary Ayrton Senna and current star Lando Norris. The sale, facilitated by high-end dealer Tom Hartley Jr., is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars and aims to ensure these historic vehicles are enjoyed rather than left in storage.
Among the cars is a 2023 McLaren MCL37A-03, which was notably tested by Hollywood actor Brad Pitt during preparations for his film “F1 the Movie.” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown emphasized the importance of these cars being driven, stating, “These cars were built to be driven and raced, and we want to see them being used and enjoyed.”
Historic Lineup of Cars
The collection spans 32 years of McLaren’s racing history, starting with two MP4/6A cars, which were raced by Gerhard Berger and tested by Senna during the 1991 season. Chassis 04 and 07 have remained with McLaren since their racing days, with Chassis 04 finishing second at the San Marino Grand Prix and Chassis 07 achieving a similar result at the British Grand Prix.
Also included is a 2012 MP4/27A, driven by 2009 world champion Jenson Button and tested by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. The lineup is completed by two cars raced exclusively by Norris in 2021 and 2023, showcasing the evolution of McLaren’s engineering prowess.
Significance of the Auction
Hartley noted the rarity of such an opportunity for collectors, stating, “It is incredibly rare for a collector to have the opportunity to acquire race-driven Grand Prix cars directly from the manufacturer and team that built and campaigned them.” Each car will be sold individually, with no rush to finalize sales, as both McLaren and Hartley prioritize finding suitable new owners.
While specific prices have not been disclosed, estimates suggest they could range from £5 million ($6.7 million) to £10 million. For context, a McLaren MP4-25A, which Hamilton raced to victory in Turkey in 2010, sold for £4.8 million in 2021.
As the auction approaches, motorsport enthusiasts and collectors alike are keenly watching this unique opportunity to own a piece of F1 history. For more details, visit Gulf Today.
For further updates on sports developments, check out our Sports coverage.
