Sometimes stars align and dreams come true, as shown by Carfection’s latest film which brings together the McLaren F1, the Porsche 911 GT1 and the Mercedes CLK GTR.
While the term ‘hypercar’ was coined much later, it would be somewhat of an understatement to call these insane speed machines simply supercars.
In the first episode of this rather special series, Carfection’s Henry Catchpole reviews the McLaren F1, chassis No 037, which is preserved beautifully in its original specification.
Also: McLaren F1 Review From Back In The Day Is A Must-Watch
Apparently, this is also the only McLaren F1 with a full Alcantara interior from new, the cabin still wearing the original trim. Its owners used things like towels and specially made fabric sheets to protect the upholstery and the originality of the car.
The naturally aspirated BMW 6.1-liter V12 produces 627 HP and 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) of torque and is paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Given that it has to move just 2,509 lbs (1,138 kg), that epic V12 still manages to impress with its throttle response and power across the rev band. After all, the McLaren F1 still holds the title of the fastest production car with a naturally aspirated engine.
But the F1 is more than just an engine; it’s a packaging triumph, with its compact footprint, the central driving position, and the obsessive attention to detail in making everything as light as possible. There’s no traction control, ABS, or power steering, just a singular focus on making the best driver’s car that has ever existed.