news-engine

©RM-Sotheby's Few machines blur the lines between engineering, art, and pure racing heritage like Gordon Murray’s masterwork, the McLaren F1. On Saturday in Monterey, the spotlight belonged to chassis 10R - a legendary 1996 F1 GTR prototype that commanded an astonishing $34,655,000 at RM Sotheby's prestigious sale, making it the most expensive British car ever sold at public auction. Instantly recognizable by its iconic red-and-yellow 1990s pop-art factory livery, this short-tail development chassis was built for the 1996 Le Mans testing program before being converted by the factory for road use. ©RM-Sotheby's Adding to its unmatched provenance, it spent a quarter-century in the private collection of Pink Floyd legend and consummate petrolhead Nick Mason. Why does the F1 command such astronomical value? Beyond its central three-seat layout and gold-leaf-lined engine bay, it represents a golden era: an uncompromising, naturally aspirated V12 masterpiece that was the ultimate road car - and happened to dominate Le Mans on its first attempt. Chassis 10R isn't just a car; it's a rolling piece of automotive royalty. ©RM-Sotheby's