McLaren F1 LM-Spec Heads to Auction in California
A rare McLaren F1 upgraded to LM specification, one of only two factory-modified examples, will be auctioned by RM Auctions in Monterey this August.
A McLaren F1 LM-Specification, one of the most exclusive road cars ever built, will be offered for sale at RM Auctions’ Monterey event on 13–14 August. This example, chassis 063, is one of only two standard F1s upgraded at the factory to LM specification, making it even rarer than the original run of five F1 LMs built to celebrate McLaren’s 1995 Le Mans win.
The McLaren F1 LM was created as a tribute to the company’s success at Le Mans. Only five production LMs and a single prototype were originally built. Two further standard F1s received the LM upgrade at the Woking factory, including this car. The LM specification brings the unrestricted 6.1-litre BMW V12 engine, high-downforce aero package, and a stripped-out, lightweight interior. Unlike the original LMs, which were track-focused, chassis 063 retains a full road-legal interior, blending the performance of the LM with the usability of the standard F1.
What makes the LM-Specification unique?
The LM upgrade is more than cosmetic. The 6.1-litre V12 produces up to 680hp, compared to the standard F1’s 627hp, thanks to the removal of air restrictors. The car also features the high-downforce front splitter and rear wing, larger cooling ducts, an uprated gearbox, and lighter magnesium wheels. Weight-saving measures such as the deletion of the audio system and additional soundproofing drop the kerb weight to around 1,062kg, about 60kg lighter than the standard F1.
| Engine | 6.1-litre naturally aspirated BMW V12 |
|---|---|
| Power | Up to 680hp |
| Torque | 705Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | 1,062kg |
| 0–60mph | 2.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 225mph (362km/h) |
Provenance and rarity
Chassis 063 is finished in a striking red and is the 63rd F1 built. Its provenance is strengthened by the fact it received the LM upgrades directly from McLaren, rather than through aftermarket modifications. With only two such factory LM-Spec F1s ever made, demand from collectors is expected to be intense. Period estimates suggested a sale price well above €4 million, reflecting both its rarity and the surging market for blue-chip supercars. For context, the original F1 LMs themselves are almost never traded publicly, and the standard F1 has seen values rise sharply in recent years.
Collector car market context
The McLaren F1’s status as a collector’s car has only grown, with values for standard examples already outpacing many rivals. LM-Specification cars, with their Le Mans connection and factory provenance, are at the very top of the market. The sale follows a trend of record-setting results for rare supercars, as seen with other icons like the Ferrari F50. For further context on the investment appeal of such cars, see Collector cars outpace hedge funds as alternative investments.
