---
title: "This McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ For Sale Is the Most Extreme F1"
description: "This MSO-designed McLaren F1 blends the track performance of an F1 LM with the comfort and technology of an F1 GT."
date: "2018-06-20"
modified: "2018-06-20"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Constantine"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-constantine"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/21660/this-mclaren-f1-lm-specification-for-sale-is-the-most-extreme-f1-ever-made"
categories:
  - "McLaren News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "Auction"
  - "mclaren"
  - "mclaren f1"
  - "McLaren Special Operations"
  - "RM Sotheby's"
---

# This McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ For Sale Is the Most Extreme F1

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/06/1991-mclaren-f1-lm-specification.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

While RM Sotheby's has been well known for its [high-priced auctions](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/21652/45m-ferrari-250-gto-test-car-is-most-expensive-car-ever-sold-at-public-auction>) for more than 20 years, the company recently [announced](<https://rmsothebys.com/en/home/media-center/mc-press-release-details/695066>) a Private Sales section that will give clients a new, more low-key way of selling their high-priced automobiles—much to the dismay of auction watchers like us. The first car to be listed on this new section of RM Sotheby's website is a special [1998 McLaren F1 "LM-Specification,"](<https://rmsothebys.com/en/home/private-sales/r0001-1998-mclaren-f1-lm-specification/694079>) possibly the rarest and greatest F1 in existence.

The car for sale, chassis 073, was number 63 of the 64 road-going F1s built, completed in 1998 with an AMG Green Velvet exterior and two-tone cream interior. Before delivery, the owner sent it to McLaren's bespoke service now known as [McLaren Special Operations](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/21259/customized-legendary-mclaren-f1-gtr-longtail-racing-livery-for-bespoke-675lt>) to turn it into the ultimate F1.

Chassis 073 is one of two F1s to receive the LM upgrade, built to the same specifications as the six [F1 LMs](<https://cars.mclaren.com/featured-articles/road-racer-the-f1-lm.html>) that were in turn made to pay homage to the F1 GTRs that won the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Like the real F1 LMs, chassis 073 receives a re-tuned 6.1-liter V12 that now makes 680 horsepower, 130 more horsepower than a stock model. Other LM upgrades include larger radiators and new instrument cluster with shift light.

![message-editor%2F1529531118441-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_5.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531118441-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_5.jpg>)
**Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's**

In addition to the LM-spec upgrades, 073 was refinished in Brilliant Orange Metallic and reupholstered in Magnolia leather with Alcantara inserts. It was also equipped with new headlights, custom 18-inch wheels, a [gurney flap](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/21457/2019-ford-mustang-shelby-gt350-aerodynamic-features-straight-from-the-gt500>), and the Extra High Downforce Package that added more vents in the nose and a large rear wing. The interior is also much more sophisticated than the LM variants, now featuring satellite navigation, better air conditioning, a new stereo, and a high-tech car-to-car intercom system.

Number 073 has been signed off on as the best F1 ever made by F1 creator [Gordon Murray](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/15392/why-gordon-murray-automotive-should-have-your-attention>) whose autograph appears near the ignition switch and on the owner's manual. No list price is shown, but the car was sold for $13.75 million at [RM Sotheby's Monterey 2015 auction](<https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/MO15/Monterey/lots/r171-1998-mclaren-f1-lm-specification/180564>), and we expect it to sell for much more now.

![message-editor%2F1529531210630-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_47.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531210630-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_47.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531231536-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_51.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531231536-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_51.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531161365-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_7.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531161365-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_7.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531221401-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_49.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531221401-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_49.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531136798-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531136798-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_1.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531243420-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_52.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531243420-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_52.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531149923-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_3.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531149923-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_3.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531173073-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_10.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531173073-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_10.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

![message-editor%2F1529531187182-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-\_27.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1529531187182-1998-mclaren-f1--lm-specification-_27.jpg>)
*Darin Schnabel, Courtesy of RM Sotheby's*

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