For the most devoted and wealthiest McLaren enthusiasts, a rare opportunity has arisen to purchase a 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail in the United Kingdom. This extraordinary vehicle is one of only ten produced specifically for racing, making it a collector’s dream.
Introducing Chassis 27R, adorned with a Lark racing livery. This model is one of just nine production examples of the GTR Longtail, with the tenth serving as a development prototype. It has competed in notable events, including the 1997 FIA GT Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year, and notably became the first Longtail to secure a race victory.
Additionally, this car is among the few Longtails that have been modified for road use by the renowned F1 restorer, Lanzante. It has undergone a professional restoration and comes with numerous spare parts for future maintenance.
Under the hood, the F1 GTR Longtail is powered by a V12 engine boasting 592 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Due to racing regulations, the F1 GTR and its Longtail version produce fewer horsepower than the standard F1 model, but they are lighter overall. Interestingly, despite its larger rear end, the Longtail is 298 pounds lighter than the GTR version it is based on.
The F1 GTR Longtail holds significant importance in McLaren’s legacy, having influenced several subsequent models, including the latest 675LT.
“I won the first race I started in [the F1 GTR Longtail],” shared Chris Goodwin, McLaren’s Chief Test Driver. “It is and will always be the most critical McLaren for me as it truly allowed me to push hard in the driver’s seat.”
You may recognize the seller of 27R, a specialized dealer of rare McLaren models, including a famous P1 prototype and a street-legal P1 GTR. We have reached out to Tom Hartley Jnr for the asking price, and we will provide updates if we receive a response, but it’s safe to assume this exceptional car comes with a hefty price tag..
