Ex-Pink Floyd drummer’s McLaren F1 could set a record

There are a limited number of McLaren F1s in the world, and even fewer with the pedigree and background of ‘10R’, the latest example to go up for auction.

Set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on August 15, this ‘pop art’ McLaren F1 GTR has had a storied life, and could well be set to write its next incredible chapter soon.

Known as chassis ‘10R’, it was the first McLaren F1 GTR built to 1996 specifications, following on from the 1995 Le Mans victory of the ‘01R’ GTR.

Retained by McLaren, it was used as a promotional tool in its now-iconic red-and-yellow GTR livery, before later taking to the track in anger for testing and pre-qualifying at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans, though it didn’t take part in the race.

Converted for road use, F1 GTR 10R was sold directly to Nick Mason, drummer for Pink Floyd and an avid car collector who also owns what many expect could be the world’s most expensive car if it’s ever sold, the #22 Ferrari 250 GTO.

Further works were reportedly carried out by Lanzante to keep it on the road, something which didn’t stop one journalist from crashing it in 2009, leading the firm to undertake a restoration.

It was then only occasionally rolled out for major events – such as a 750km F1 anniversary tour and multiple Goodwood events – before Mason himself crashed it at the 2017 Goodwood Members’ Meeting, leading to yet another restoration.

Mason eventually sold the F1 GTR in 2024 privately for an undisclosed sum, though it’s expected its upcoming sale price will be far more widely publicised.

RM Sotheby’s estimates the McLaren F1 GTR 10R could sell for more than US$35 million, or close to A$50 million. For context, the current McLaren F1 auction record was set last year, when an ex-Brunei Royal Family example sold for US$25,317,500 (A$36.1 million).