In the pantheon of supercars, the McLaren F1 reigns as both legend and blueprint. Built without compromise, priced beyond reason, and engineered with the obsession of a Formula 1 mastermind, it was never meant to be ordinary. But now, an extraordinary example of this icon—once the prized possession of tech titan Larry Ellison—is about to make headlines again.
This August, during the much-anticipated Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s will offer Ellison’s 1997 McLaren F1, chassis no. 062, for auction. With only 106 examples ever produced—and just seven officially delivered to the United States—this particular F1 is a unicorn among unicorns.
The Apex of Analog
At the heart of the McLaren F1’s mystique is its audacious ambition. Conceived by legendary designer Gordon Murray and developed under the watchful eye of McLaren boss Ron Dennis, the F1 was intended to be nothing less than the finest road car ever made.
A lofty goal—but one McLaren achieved. Built around a pioneering carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, powered by a bespoke 6.1-liter naturally aspirated BMW V-12, and boasting a top speed of 240 mph, the F1 instantly redefined performance. It wasn’t just fast—it was timeless. Its minimalist design by Peter Stevens, central driver’s seat, and driver-focused ethos continue to influence hypercars to this day.
Silicon Valley Provenance
This particular McLaren, finished in elegant Magnesium Silver with a black leather interior and a distinctive grey driver’s seat insert, was originally imported into the U.S. in 1997 by Ameritech. Despite being the 62nd car numerically, it was actually the 53rd F1 built, part of a handful of cars legally brought stateside when new. One of the few original American owners? Elon Musk, who infamously crashed his.
Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, took delivery of chassis 062 in the late ’90s. The car remained in Northern California throughout its life, passing through just two additional owners, both based in the San Francisco Bay Area—a testament to its carefully curated legacy.
With only 6,500 miles on the odometer, this F1 is remarkably well-preserved while still having been exercised enough to stay mechanically fit.
Enhanced, Subtly
Adding to its appeal, this F1 features tasteful upgrades performed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Among them: an enhanced air conditioning system (a rare luxury in early F1s), a sport exhaust, and a lightweight aluminum fuel tank—modern touches that elevate comfort and performance without compromising authenticity. Despite its age, the car remains a work of technological sculpture—an analog masterpiece in a digital age.
Valuation of a Legend
RM Sotheby’s has estimated the F1 could fetch over $23 million—a figure that reflects not only the rarity and provenance of this specific example but also the untouchable reputation the McLaren F1 holds among collectors.
And in this case, the added cachet of Larry Ellison’s ownership—a man known for his exacting taste, private islands, and America’s Cup-winning yachts—only adds to the allure. This wasn’t just a supercar. It was his supercar.
A Moment in Time
For those fortunate enough to attend Monterey’s auction circuit this year, this F1 represents more than just an automotive investment. It’s a glimpse into a pivotal moment in supercar history—when engineering trumped electronics, and performance was defined not by software updates but by raw, calculated brilliance.
Like a great piece of art or a Stradivarius violin, this McLaren F1 is not simply a machine. It is a singular creation—one that continues to remind us what happens when the world’s best minds are given a blank check and a bold vision.
Written By: Lydia Kelly
Published: 5th August 2025