How Many McLaren F1s Were Made?
The McLaren F1 is widely regarded as one of the greatest and rarest cars ever built, attracting car fans and collectors worldwide. But exactly how many McLaren F1s were made?
During its production run from 1992 to 1998, only 106 McLaren F1s were manufactured. This very small number has helped make it one of the most exclusive and valuable cars ever created.
Today, it is one of the most sought-after collectibles in the car market, often selling for extremely high prices.
The idea behind the McLaren F1 was to create the “best road car in the world.” The team at McLaren worked hard for four years to turn their early designs into the first completed car. This careful work and commitment to high standards, along with new technology and top performance, meant that each F1 was made to be exceptional, even though production was small.
How many McLaren F1 cars were built?
What is the total number of McLaren F1s made?
McLaren built exactly 106 F1 cars. This total includes all types: regular road cars, race-ready GTR models, special LM versions, ultra-rare GT longtails, as well as the prototypes and test cars used during development.
Each of these 106 vehicles was put together by hand and built with great attention to detail, making every car a unique part of automotive history.
Building only 106 units was a conscious decision. McLaren wanted the F1 to remain exclusive and uncompromising. This small number, combined with its unique design and performance, has helped increase its appeal and made it a true prize for collectors.
Why does this small number matter?
Producing only 106 McLaren F1s makes the car extremely rare. Most supercars are made in much larger numbers, so the F1 stands out in the crowd. Because there are so few, collectors are willing to pay high amounts-often above $20 million-for each one. This rare status has helped make the F1 one of the highest-priced cars in history.
This low number also shows McLaren’s focus on quality over quantity. Each F1 was carefully made by hand, and details such as a gold-lined engine bay and a titanium tool set show just how much care went into every car.
By building only a few, McLaren kept up high standards in both the design and construction, making sure that every F1 is a top-of-the-line sports car from its era.
How many McLaren F1s survive today?
Of the 106 McLaren F1s built, about 100 still exist today. This impressive survival rate shows the car’s tough construction and the careful ownership through the years.
McLaren’s factory service team continues to support and repair these special cars. Only six F1s are known to have been destroyed, and the car’s strong carbon-fiber frame once even saved a test driver in a serious accident in 1993.
The remaining F1s are spread out globally. The UK, where the car was designed and made, has about 40 F1s (including race versions). The US comes next, with around 30 cars. Other places with several F1s include Brunei (which has seven thanks to the Sultan’s collection), Switzerland, Germany, and Japan.
The fact that so many original F1s are still around and well cared for just adds to their reputation as prized collector items.
Breakdown of McLaren F1 models and their numbers
There were several different types of McLaren F1 cars made. The 106 total includes road cars, racing versions, special anniversary models, and test prototypes. Each type has its own unique features and story, which has only made the F1 more interesting to collectors.
|
Variant |
Number Produced |
Main Features |
|
Standard Road Car |
64 |
Central seat, 6.1L BMW V12, 618 hp, 240.1 mph top speed, no electronic driving aids |
|
F1 GTR Race Car |
28 |
Built for endurance racing, won 1995 Le Mans, extra aero parts, lighter interior |
|
F1 LM |
5 |
Special edition for Le Mans victory, road-legal, higher power (671 hp), lighter, all orange |
|
F1 GT (Longtail) |
3 |
Extended rear, raced in GT, special design for racing rules, extremely rare |
|
Prototypes & Test Cars |
7 |
Used for testing, not sold as standard customer cars |
|
Total |
106 |
-
Standard McLaren F1 road cars: 64 units. These set new benchmarks for speed and driving experience. They feature a central seat, a powerful V12 engine, a lightweight body, and no driver aids, making them pure driver’s cars.
-
McLaren F1 GTR race cars: 28 units. Built specifically for racing, especially events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, these featured modifications for track use, stripped interiors, and extra downforce. The GTR famously won Le Mans in its first attempt in 1995.
-
McLaren F1 LM Edition: 5 units. Made to celebrate the Le Mans victory, these are even lighter and more powerful than standard F1s, with bright Papaya Orange paint and unique styling.
-
McLaren F1 GT Longtail: 3 units. These were built with a longer rear for racing rules, with only three ever completed, making them the rarest version. They look more like the track cars and are highly valued by collectors.
-
Prototypes and Test Cars: 7 units. These cars were used for testing engine placement, gearbox, and handling, and were key in developing the car’s final design and performance. Not originally intended for public sale, a few now exist in collections.
Each type of McLaren F1 had its own role-some for the road, some for the racetrack, and some for testing and development, but each contributed to the F1’s legend. The original prototypes played a big part in shaping the car we know today, as engineers used them to work out the engine, gearbox, and seating design before moving to the finished product.
The McLaren F1, with just 106 examples and several unique versions, remains a milestone in car history. Its rare numbers, careful design, and success both on the road and track have made it one of the most respected and valuable cars ever built.
