In this post we are featuring the absolutely incredible 1995 McLaren F1 (040), the 34th McLaren F1 road car produced for the world, and it’s the 1st of only 5 McLaren F1 examples total to be equipped with mirrors positioned on the A-pillars. This McLaren F1 was originally delivered new in ‘Magnesium Silver’, and was originally equipped with polished wheels. From that point on, chassis 040 was equipped with numerous different sets of wheels, carbon brakes, and other modifications along the way, most notably to the suspension. The colors of 040 have also changed throughout the years, starting with silver, transitioning into a French-blue like color, and then eventually being painted in an ‘Blu Alfa’ or ‘Lord Blu’, it’s current paint finish. These photos shown here were captured way back in 2005 by @stylenl near Nürburgring, and show the car finished in the brighter blue shade with two-piece wheels that were developed by BBS which were used for a temporary fitment test in order to modify the tires and suspension. If you’re wondering why or how the mirrors wound up like this, it’s due to the fact that the original F1 styling model, also known as the ‘Clinic Model’ featured mirrors very similar, and at the owner’s request, a set of BMW Z1 mirrors were installed, despite not conforming to UK type-approval regulations. The F1 model was conceived by South African-born British designer, Gordon Murray, and styled by one of UK's best-known vehicle designers, Peter Stevens. The F1 features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, a three-seat layout with a central driving position, and ‘butterfly’ or dihedral type doors. The F1 GTR, which is a racing variant of the F1, managed to achieve an overall victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
How many made? 106 total (+1 spare chassis). This being the 1st of 5 with these mirrors.
Engine: 6.1L (6,064cc) BMW S70/2 V12 - 627bhp
Debut: May 28th, 1992, at The Sporting Club in Monaco
Top Speed: The world’s current fastest naturally aspirated production car with a record top speed of 240.1mph in the XP5 prototype on March 31st of 1998.
0-60mph: around 3.2 seconds
Photo Credit: @stylenl
Research: @rarecarsonly, @peloton25