1997 McLaren F1 GTR Long Tail
Only 28 of the 100 McLaren F1 cars were built for racing in either the FIA GT series or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Of those 28, only ten were stretched into the 1997-spec “Long Tail” model seen here.
Formerly owned by Gulf Team Davidoff, the F1 GTR with chassis number 28R was raced in the 1997 FIA GT Championship series. The car’s best races included sixth place finishes in both Suzuka and Laguna Seca, with three other top ten finishes during that season. It served as a mid-season replacement for car #25R, which caught fire during the ’97 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Despite an elongated nose, larger tale, and bigger rear wing, the car shaved 75kg off the 1996 model weight, to bring the total to 915kg. Powered by a 900 horsepower V12 from BMW Motorsports, the car is still wearing its full Gulf Livery.
Story by Winkel
In Detail
| submitted by | Nask0BS |
| type | Professionally Tuned Car |
| production | 10 |
| engine | BMW 70/2 60 Degree V12 |
| position | Mid Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | Chain Driven DOHC w/Continuously Variable Inlet Valve Timing |
| displacement | 6064 cc / 370.04999 in³ |
| compression | 11:1 |
| power | 671.09998 kw / 900 bhp |
| specific output | 148.42 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 983.61 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Carbon Fibre |
| driven wheels | RWD w/Torsen Differential |
| front tires | 235/45ZR-17 |
| rear tires | 315/45ZR-17 |
| front brakes | Unassisted Vented Discs |
| rear brakes | Unassisted Vented Discs |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Light Alloy Dampers, Co-Axial Coil Springs |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Light Alloy Dampers, Co-Axial Coil Springs |
| curb weight | 915 kg / 2017.58 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2718 mm / 107 in |
| height | 1080 mm / 42.5 in |
| transmission | Transverse 6-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail 21R – sold for $5,280,000 The Ultimate Development of the McLaren F1. The Most Successful BMW Team Car in Private Hands. Primarily Driven by the Top Pairing of JJ Lehto and Steve Soper. Overall Winner at Hockenheim and Helsinki.Four Podium Finishes in Five FIA GT Championship Races. Restored by McLaren and Maintained by Marque Specialist Lanzante Ltd. Outstanding Unbroken Provenance. A Significant Piece of Motor Sport History.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
