Discover this McLaren F1 GTR number 40 in red, white and yellow, a faithful reproduction of the legendary car that marked the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1998. This exceptional miniature captures all the essence of one of the most iconic supercars that took part in the world's most famous endurance race.
This collector's piece is a true treasure for car enthusiasts and lovers of prestigious miniatures, showcasing the golden age of British GT in international competition.
Miniature Features
- Model: McLaren F1 GTR number 40
- Brand: McLaren
- Year: 1998
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Red, white and yellow
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the actual model
The McLaren F1 GTR represents the race adaptation of the legendary road-going F1, developed specifically for international GT championships. Launched in 1995, this racing version retained the 6.1-liter BMW V12 engine but was optimized for endurance, developing around 600 horsepower.
The ultra-light carbon fiber chassis, weighing only 1,020 kg, benefited from a rethought aerodynamics with a large rear wing and sophisticated air extractors. The central driver position, inherited from the road version, provided unique ergonomics in motorsport.
This McLaren F1 GTR number 40 from 1998 is a testament to the last generation of these exceptional machines, benefiting from three years of continuous technical evolution since the first successes at Le Mans in 1995.
McLaren's history in 1998
In 1998, McLaren was undergoing a major transition between its past successes and the new challenges of motorsport. The British team, founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963, had just won the 1998 Formula 1 World Championship with Mika Häkkinen, marking its return to the top after a difficult decade.
Alongside its successes in F1, the McLaren F1 GTR program was nearing its end after four exceptional seasons in endurance racing. The Woking brand was already preparing its new strategic direction, focusing more on Formula 1 while developing the foundations for future supercars like the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, which would emerge a few years later. Thus, this McLaren F1 GTR represents the swan song of a golden era for the British manufacturer in GT.
The epic of McLaren F1 GTR at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
The story of the McLaren F1 GTR at Le Mans remains one of the greatest epics in modern motorsport. In 1995, during its debut participation, it achieved the incredible feat of winning the race right away, with all five F1 GTRs entered finishing in the top six – a unique occurrence in the history of the 24 Hours.
The McLaren number 40 from 1998 was part of this prestigious lineage, representing the ultimate technical evolutions of this legendary program. Unlike the earlier versions, this late-generation model benefited from refined aerodynamics and increased reliability, the result of four years of competitive experience.
What made these McLarens so special was their original design: they were the only race cars derived from a road supercar capable of exceeding 370 km/h. This duality between pure performance and technical refinement made them unique machines in the world of endurance, traditionally dominated by specialized prototypes.
Ironically, 1998 marked the end of this exceptional adventure, as McLaren officially withdrew from endurance racing to focus on Formula 1, leaving behind an unmatched technical and sporting legacy at Le Mans.
Complete your miniature collection
This McLaren F1 GTR stands out as a centerpiece for any collector passionate about the 24 Hours of Le Mans or McLaren miniature cars. It harmonizes perfectly with other iconic endurance models, including competition Porsches or Ferrari GTs from the same era.
Discerning collectors will appreciate the complementarity of this F1 GTR with other models of British race cars, creating a coherent set representative of British technical excellence. This miniature at 1/43 also finds its place alongside iconic vehicles of the 1990s, a blessed period for supercars and competition GTs.
Intended for demanding automobile enthusiasts, this McLaren F1 GTR will appeal to both specialized collectors of racing miniatures and car history lovers eager to own a piece of the McLaren legend at Le Mans.
