McLaren F1 GTR Longtail: A Rare Opportunity for Collectors
Let’s cut to the chase: the McLaren F1 is one of the most legendary supercars ever made. There is simply no overstating how mind-blowing the F1 and its race-bred counterpart, the F1 GTR, were in the early 1990s. Just 104 F1s were ever produced, but the F1 GTR is even rarer, with only 26 made, and its GTR “Longtail” variant is rarer still, with only 10 in existence. Notably, one of these GTR Longtails is currently available for purchase, offering an unparalleled opportunity for collectors.
The Racing Legacy of the F1 GTR
Based on the F1 road car, the F1 GTR participated in a series of high-stakes races, including the iconic 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite being a modified street car and not a purpose-built racer, the F1 GTR claimed an outright victory, making McLaren the first constructor to succeed in Formula 1, the Indy 500, and Le Mans. For the 1997 racing season, McLaren enhanced the Longtail, a modified version of the GTR designed specifically for Le Mans, to keep pace with fierce competition from Porsche and Mercedes.
The Longtail moniker refers to the car’s elongated rear bodywork, which significantly improved its aerodynamics. This performance-oriented design leads the way for enhanced speed and handling on the track, making the GTR Longtail a remarkable engineering feat.
The Allure of the Longtail Name
The F1 and its racing variants were heralded as some of the greatest performance machines ever created. Consequently, the Longtail name has resurfaced in the McLaren lineup, utilized for specialized road cars, exemplified by models like the McLaren 765 LT.
A Precious Collector’s Item
The GTR Longtail available for sale is the very first one ever made, rich with racing history. As the inaugural Longtail, it also served as the development car for the subsequent nine units that followed. Remarkably, this particular car is one of only two that have been converted to road-legal specification, with the other owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. Additionally, it comes equipped with a complete conversion kit to return it to full race specifications whenever desired.
Clearly, the rare chance to own one of these exquisite GTR Longtails will excite collectors and billionaires alike. Indeed, just having a million dollars may not suffice. According to assessments, the regular F1 holds a value of around $15 million, and it would come as no surprise if the GTR Longtail commands at least double that price. For discerning collectors, such a unique opportunity is simply not to be missed.
