A static model of the 2011 McLaren MP4-26 Formula 1 car is currently up for auction and while it’s not functional, it is a very cool show piece.
The full-size show car was commissioned by McLaren for various promotional activities throughout the 2011 season. The Collecting Cars listing notes that it is “almost indistinguishable” to the real car and comes complete with its period-correct Vodafone livery, along with Lewis Hamilton’s name on the engine intake.
Read Also: Race-Winning 2010 McLaren F1 Car Driven By Lewis Hamilton Sells For $6.6 Million
The car includes many genuine parts that the race cars driven by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were equipped with. For example, it sits on genuine Enkei wheels with Pirelli P Zero Compound 3 tires from the 2011 season. It also has a carbon fiber monocoque and a replica steering wheel complete with shift lights and all the same switchgear as the genuine article as well as a Schroth racing harness.
McLaren’s MP4-26 F1 car was very successful for the British outfit, even though it was unable to secure either the 2011 constructors’ or drivers’ championship. With Hamilton and Button behind the wheel, the MP4-26 claimed six wins, 18 podiums, and one pole position.
Included in the sale is a framed certificate of authenticity signed by Zak Brown. The listing notes that the car has some minor scuffs, including on the red wheel center-lock covers.
What could the winning bidder use the car for? Well, as it has no powertrain, it can only be used as a display piece and would certainly look pretty cool sitting in an expensive lounge room. A brave soul may even try to hang it on a wall, like we’ve seen some collectors do.