The 1996 McLaren F1 GTR known as the “Pop Art F1” is set to headline RM Sotheby’s 2026 Monterey Car Week auction on August 15. Distinguished by its one-of-a-kind 1990s-inspired livery, the rare race-spec supercar is expected to sell for more than $35 million, making it one of the most valuable McLaren F1 models ever offered.
A Rare McLaren F1 GTR With a Unique Identity
The McLaren F1 is widely regarded by many enthusiasts as one of the greatest supercars ever built. Designed by Formula 1 engineer Gordon Murray, McLaren’s first road car became the fastest production car of its era and claimed victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans despite not being developed as a racing car.
Among the featured lots at RM Sotheby’s 2026 Monterey Car Week auction is this 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, nicknamed the “Pop Art F1” because of its distinctive graphic livery inspired by the 1990s. Only nine examples of the 1996 F1 GTR were built, and this one features a one-off exterior design that makes it unique.
RM Sotheby’s values the car at “in excess of $35 million.”
Race-Focused Evolution of the McLaren F1
The F1 GTR was developed as the competition version of the McLaren F1 after customer demand, despite Gordon Murray’s original vision of the F1 as a pure road car.
Compared with the standard model, the race car received relatively modest modifications, including carbon-ceramic brakes, a fixed rear wing, and additional weight reduction. Those changes helped the McLaren F1 secure victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For the 1996 model year, McLaren introduced further updates that included revised bodywork with a larger front splitter, additional weight savings, and a reinforced gearbox designed to address what had been the biggest weakness of the 1995 version.
Chassis 10R Became a Standout Example
Although the updates improved performance, they were not enough to keep the F1 GTR competitive against purpose-built race cars such as the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1. McLaren later responded by introducing the more extreme F1 GTR Longtail in 1997.
Before that, the first 1996-specification F1 GTR, chassis 10R, established its own reputation. McLaren initially retained the car for testing and promotional duties.
Chassis 10R attended the 1996 Le Mans event in Blood Red paint with graphite wheels for testing but did not compete in the race. During its later public appearances, it wore the distinctive Pop Art livery that has made it one of the most recognizable McLaren F1 GTRs.
Celebrity Ownership and Restoration History
The car was later purchased by Pink Floyd drummer and collector Nick Mason, who entrusted its maintenance to McLaren F1 specialist Lanzante.
During Mason’s ownership, Lanzante carried out regular servicing and completed a full restoration in 2009 after the vehicle was crashed by a journalist. Mason was also involved in an incident with the car in 2017.
According to the article, Lanzante’s extensive experience with the McLaren F1, combined with the car’s distinctive livery, celebrity ownership, and rare specification, contributes to expectations that chassis 10R could become one of the most expensive McLaren F1 GTRs ever offered at auction.
