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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

2009 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster 9

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2021

RM Sotheby’s Presents The Fox Collection: 2009 Mercedes-B...

Presented by RM Sotheby's - Among the compelling class supercars that emerged following the turn of the millennium, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is uniquely intriguing. Its basis was the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which debuted in 2003; developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and its then-Formula 1 partner McLaren, the car clearly drew from the former manufacturer’s contemporary design language and world-class engineering, yet it was assembled at the latter’s facility in Woking, England. This car was a true exotic, with massive power and a 200-plus mph top speed—and, yes, eye-catching “butterfly” doors. Unlike ostensible competitors such as the Porsche Carrera GT, however, the SLR McLaren featured a front-mid-engine chassis configuration and boasted everyday usability more typical of a traditional grand tourer. Notably, it was also McLaren’s first foray into roadgoing automobiles after the legendary McLaren F1’s production run concluded. All Rights Reserved The 722 Edition, launched as a coupe in 2006 and a Roadster in 2009, took the already impressive model to the next level: Its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, was reworked to produce 641 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque. Zero-to-62 mph acceleration took just 3.1 seconds, and top speed was a screaming 208 mph. Further enhancements included a lower, stiffer suspension and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels. New bucket seats and a steering wheel, both upholstered in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, were found in the cabin. The model’s name and subtle “722” badging was highly significant, referencing the starting number of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson piloted to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. What could be a more fitting tribute to this legendary moment in motorsport history, in which British drivers achieved triumph in a German racing machine, than a limited-edition German-British supercar? With just 150 SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster examples produced, the model was destined from the start to be exclusive. This Canada-delivery example, finished in Crystal Laurite Silver over black interior accented by red seat belts and stitching, was desirably equipped with the larger braking system; red calipers are visible behind its 19-inch black wheels. All Rights Reserved This particular car is further distinguished by its excellent state of preservation and history of use, having been driven fewer than 15,200 km (~9,450 mi) at time of cataloguing. Invoices on file indicate a service and the fitment of two new rear tires performed in May 2016 by Crown Eurocars of St. Petersburg, Florida. An inspection and oil change were performed by Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota, Florida, March 2020. Now offered from the Fox Collection, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster is a nod to Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious racing past, and a celebration of its Formula 1 partnership with McLaren. Blending the best attributes of two of the world’s top-tier automakers—each with a rich history of motorsports success—like no other car before or since, it offers its next owner a truly distinctive combination or rarity, luxury, and ultimate performance. With minimal production runs and maximized performance, the Fox Collection is filled with supercar selections that truly stand out from their contemporaries, with a combination of uncommon specifications, low mileages, and outstanding color combinations. The Fox Collection will be offered entirely without reserve at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, taking place 12-14 August 2021. View Listing

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2021

Mecum Monterey 2021: 2017 Ford GT '66 Heritage Edition

Presented by Mecum Auctions - First offered publicly as a 2017 model, Ford’s stunning new GT came to market with a brilliant competition legacy earned at the 2016 edition of the world-renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans. A special Heritage Edition GT was soon offered, designed as a fitting tribute to the legendary P/1046 GT40 that Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon drove to victory at the 1966 24 Hours of LeMans in the dominating Ford 1-2-3 photo finish there. Based on a competition-worthy carbon fiber monocoque structure with integrated steel roll cage and aluminum sub structure, the GT delivers awesome, supercar-level performance with its twin-turbocharged and intercooled 3.5L/647 HP DOHC 24-valve EcoBoost engine yielding an immense performance envelope including a 216 MPH top end and acceleration from rest to 60 MPH in just 2.8 seconds. An amazing technological tour de force, the GT delivers its power via a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and rear transaxle. Active aerodynamics with a deployable rear wing and air brake work to harness the GT’s massive forward urge in concert with Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes featuring polished calipers. Next-level braking and handling include a four-sensor and four-channel anti-lock braking system plus Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. This stunning Heritage Edition GT is finished in Shadow Black with painted silver stripes, protected by a full-body clear bra. Inside, the GT’s carbon fiber seats are wrapped in stunning ebony leather with blue accent stitching. Gold shift paddles add a fabulous accent, and the F1-styled steering wheel features functional controls while a tilt/telescopic steering column enhances driver comfort and control. Electronics include a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touch-screen display with navigation, Bluetooth and Sync 3 infotainment system. Other cutting-edge features include competition-style six-point seatbelts and LED headlamps. Desirable additional features specific to this 2017 Ford GT Heritage Edition include an optional titanium exhaust system and the exterior matte carbon fiber package. Rolling on a set of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels finished in a Gold Satin clear-coat finish with black lug nuts. Offered with only 200 miles at the time of writing, this high-specification GT is virtually as new and immensely collectible. This 2017 Ford GT '66 Heritage Edition will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – August 07, 2021

RM Sotheby’s Presents The Fox Collection: 2008 Bugatti Ve...

Presented by RM Sotheby's - Talk of a Bugatti revitalization, which would have returned the storied French marque to the prominence of its pre-World War II glory days, began not long after Ettore Bugatti’s death in 1947. Despite a noble revival effort undertaken in the late 1980s, which led to the fascinating EB 110, Bugatti would not experience a lasting renaissance until the Volkswagen Group purchased the rights to company in 1998—a strategic acquisition initially intended to realize Ferdinand Piëch’s vision of an 18-cylinder automobile of superlative power, performance, and prestige. Piëch’s mandates for the car that would eventually become the Bugatti Veyron were refined with time, becoming even more ambitious: It needed to produce 1,001 PS (987 horsepower) and achieve a top speed in excess of 400 km/h (nearly 250 mph), yet also be entirely usable for daily driving and comfortable for both driver and passenger. Impressive today, these parameters seemed otherworldly around the turn of the millennium. The cost of the project was of little consequence; what mattered was resurrecting Bugatti in spectacular fashion while demonstrating the engineering prowess of the Volkswagen Group as a whole. What is truly remarkable is that the production car that emerged in 2005 managed to meet, and even exceed, these lofty expectations, with 0-62 mph acceleration taking just 2.46 seconds en route to a top speed just over 408 km/h (nearly 254 mph). Built around a magnificent, mid-mounted, quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 featuring four valves per cylinder and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Veyron stunned the world with its surefootedness at even the most extreme speeds—an ability enabled by a full-time Haldex all-wheel drive system. Even the car’s ancillary systems, including 10 radiators, are marvels of automotive engineering conceived to perform under the most demanding circumstances. The stopping power was similarly stunning, as the Veyron was anchored by massive carbon-ceramic disc brakes with 15.7-inch discs and eight-piston, four-pad calipers up front, while 15-inch discs with six-piston, two-pad calipers were equipped at the rear. The alloy wheels, which were respectively 20 and 21 inches at the front and rear, were shod with special purpose-designed Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 PAX run-flat tires that provided superior grip. The array of technology extended to three different drive modes: a Normal mode, at which the ride height was 4.9 inches; a Handling mode that deployed the rear spoiler and lowered ride height to 3.15 inches; and a special key-activated High-Speed mode that dropped ride height to 2.56 inches in front and 2.75 at the rear, while changing the spoiler position. Equally captivating is the intricacy of the Veyron’s hand-crafted construction and the impact of its design. In its scale and proportions, the Veyron is unlike anything else: It is actually shorter in overall length than a modern Porsche 911, though it rides on a longer, 106.7-inch wheelbase, and it is noticeably lower and wider than that benchmark German sportscar. When experienced in person, a rare opportunity given its low production numbers and corresponding exclusivity, the Veyron has a presence all its own; it is a fitting inheritor of the Bugatti legacy and the world-renowned horseshoe grille. VEYRON NUMBER 066 The 66th Bugatti Veyron completed, and the 20th delivered new to the United States, the car offered here has enjoyed a life of limited use and careful maintenance. The exterior is finished in silver metallic over bright silver, an effective two-tone pairing that subtly emphasizes the Veyron’s distinctive lines and complex curves. Like the Bugattis of old, this Veyron’s interior is elegant, simple, and purposeful, while being finely crafted of the highest-quality materials. This example is trimmed in the rare combination of Silk leather with Anthracite inserts; an engine-turned center console serves as a focal point while adding a dash of vintage spirit to the cabin. With just 750 miles driven at time of cataloguing, this Veyron, now offered from the Fox Collection, has had only two owners from new. Under the care of its first owner in 2018, this car was serviced by Los Gatos Luxury Cars of Los Gatos, California; an invoice on file indicates over $51,000 in work performed, including an annual service as well as new front and rear tires. Given its limited milage and careful maintenance, it is hardly surprising that the car presents in excellent condition today. Bugatti Veyron production ceased in 2015, at which point a total of 450 cars were produced; only 252 of these were Veyron 16.4 coupes, with only 76 in U.S. specification, meaning examples such as this are destined to remain rare and desirable. Accompanied by its special “speed” key with presentation box, owner’s manual, tools, and battery tender, as well as service invoices, this Bugatti Veyron 16.4 coupe represents a special moment the saga of the revitalized Bugatti marque, as well as the history of the modern supercar. It would make a significant—and not to mention exhilarating—addition to any serious stable. With minimal production runs and maximized performance, the Fox Collection is filled with supercar selections that truly stand out from their contemporaries, with a combination of uncommon specifications, low mileages, and outstanding color combinations. The Fox Collection will be offered entirely without reserve at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, taking place 12-14 August 2021. View Listing

By Edward Jones – August 07, 2021

Mecum Monterey 2021: 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Unveiled to the world at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the boldly named LaFerrari, translated as “The Ferrari,” was described by Ferrari President Luca Di Montezemolo as “… the expression of what defines our company.” Following in the hallowed lineage of the 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo, the LaFerrari immediately lived up to its provocative model name as Ferrari’s most advanced road car at introduction and well beyond. Built around an FIA prototype-worthy, arrowhead-shaped carbon-fiber tub main structure, the LaFerrari features a lower ride height and center of gravity than even the radical Enzo preceding it, with an F1 cockpit-style seating position and sills built into the front-hinged, scissor-type doors. Breaking from tradition, bodywork for the LaFerrari was not the work of an external design house/coachbuilder, but rather the work of an in-house design team at Ferrari headed by Flavio Manzoni. While certainly attractive, the purposefully aggressive body of the LaFerrari features a “form following function” approach while paying homage to some of Ferrari’s most successful racing cars leading up to LaFerrari. Powering the LaFerrari is a stunning hybrid powertrain delivering 950 HP and quite possibly eclipsing Ferrari’s then-current F14 T Formula 1 racing car by about 200 HP. LaFerrari power-to-weight is a mind-bending 3.7 pounds-per-HP ratio. Dubbed HY-KERS, the LaFerrari Hybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System powertrain features a 6.3L/789 HP DOHC, 48-valve V-12 engine at its core, equipped with variable-length intake runners, 13.5:1 compression and a 9,250 RPM redline. An oil-cooled electric motor resides at the rear of the 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and delivers an additional 161 HP. A low-mounted, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack stores power and serves as a stressed structural member behind the passenger compartment. Electronic controls activate the electric motor, which essentially provides a kind of boost, filling in the lower rev ranges of the howling V-12 piston powerplant for near-instantaneous throttle response and a shockingly visceral, gut-wrenching experience for the driver and passenger. Obviously, LaFerrari performance is stunning, nay, ridiculous, with the 0-60 MPH dash completed in 2.5 seconds, 0-100 MPH in 4.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in a dragster-worthy 9.8 seconds at 149 MPH through the traps. Given sufficient space, top speed is a factory-claimed 217 MPH. Helping to harness its staggering performance, the LaFerrari body bristles with amazing active and passive aerodynamic features delivering the required engine cooling and maximizing performance with massive downforce, including a large adjustable spoiler and movable diffuser flaps. Other race-derived systems include stability control and performance anti-blockage/electronic brake balance. An F1-type electronic traction control system is integrated with the hybrid powertrain system and third-generation electronic differential for incredible response to driver inputs. Maximum road contact is delivered by Ferrari’s magnetorheological damping system with twin solenoids, and track-worthy adhesion is achieved via a set of extreme-performance Pirelli P-Zero tires surrounding 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged aluminum wheels. According to published road tests, the LaFerrari generates up to 1.16 G lateral acceleration on the skidpad and requires just 136 feet to stop from 70 MPH. Two LaFerrari variants were sold: the coupe, with 500 produced in 2013-2016, and the Aperta convertible, 210 of which were built in 2016-18. Stunning in Rosso Corsa (Competition Red) over Nero (Black) leather upholstery with red piping and stitched Ferrari Cavallino Rampante accents, this 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari is virtually as-new with only 131 miles on the clock. Other accents include Scuderia Ferrari front-fender shields, carbon fiber dash trim and red calipers for the cross-drilled and vented Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Creature comforts include an adjustable steering wheel and pedal box, reconfigurable digital instrument panel and both main and secondary controls for audio, navigation, climate and telemetry systems. Creating a sensation from the introduction and generating frenzied orders and deposit checks from hopeful buyers, the LaFerrari created an instant legend among Ferrari owners and collectors, one that will continue well into the future. Offered with incredibly low mileage, this Rosso Corsa LaFerrari offers an incredible opportunity to experience the design and engineering prowess that has firmly kept Ferrari at the forefront of motorsports since its inception. This 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – August 06, 2021

RM Sotheby’s Presents The Fox Collection: 2003 Ferrari Enzo

Presented by RM Sotheby's - Ferrari releases a new range-topping supercar only occasionally, and it is always an event eagerly anticipated by the world’s tifosi—whether or not they have the means to acquire an example themselves. To say that expectations for the Ferrari Enzo were high, then, would be quite an understatement: Not only did the supercar follow in the footsteps of the landmark F40 and the thrilling F50, it was also to be named after Il Commendatore himself. In fact, the automaker bucked the model naming conventions by officially referring to the car as the “Enzo Ferrari,” rather than expected and popularly used “Ferrari Enzo,” further emphasizing the car’s status as tribute to the company’s founder. Stylistically, the Pininfarina-designed Enzo was a drastic departure from the cars that came before. From nose to tail, form was a secondary consideration to function to allow for an unrivaled driving experience. Nevertheless, Pininfarina did a fantastic job in sculpting the company’s namesake with enduring presence to match its exceptional performance. Gone was the massive rear wing that defined both the F40 and the F50, replaced by just a small speed-activated spoiler at the rear and aided by improved aerodynamics throughout. The protruding nose was a styling cue taken from Ferrari’s contemporary Formula 1 race cars and sought to highlight the Enzo’s use of race-inspired technology. Inside, there were few creature comforts, aside from the requisite leather-trimmed carbon-fiber bucket seats and air-conditioning, in order to keep the car as lightweight and focused as possible. All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved In terms of powertrain, it was also a step into the future for Ferrari: Although the Enzo used a mid-mounted naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 (producing 651 horsepower and with an 8,200 rpm redline), the F50’s manual transmission was traded for a six-speed “F1” automated manual gearbox operated via paddle shifters. In keeping with its rich tradition of limited-production supercars, however, the Enzo would be produced in limited numbers as well. By the end of production, just 399 examples were built, with an additional car built especially for Pope John Paul II, leaving total production at 400. CHASSIS NUMBER 133118 Given the model’s exclusivity, to say nothing of its price, it is hardly surprising that Enzos tended to be ordered by illustrious individuals; chassis 133118 is certainly no exception. Purchased new by developer and casino mogul Steve Wynn, it is notably one of only two examples of the model finished in Nero over Cuoio. Under Wynn’s ownership, the car was displayed at the Penske Wynn Ferrari dealership following the opening of the Wynn Las Vegas resort in 2005. In addition to serving as a sales outlet for premier performance automobiles, the dealership was a popular draw for resort guests, who paid admission to see this very car and others. Unlike the majority of vehicles on display, however, Wynn’s Enzo was not officially said to be for sale—rather it was, quite understandably, an attraction in its own right. By December 2005, the car had been sold to its second owner via Ferrari of Orange County, California (today known as Ferrari & Maserati of Newport Beach). The car, which had been driven fewer than 400 miles at that time, soon had paint protective film applied to its major exterior surfaces. Although the protective film was recently removed, it no doubt provided great protection to the car’s rich Nero exterior finish. All Rights Reserved Today, the car records fewer than 17,540 miles from new. The bulk of these were accrued during the stewardship of its second owner, who clearly enjoyed driving the Enzo—but was equally dedicated to its proper care. Copies of invoices on file from Ferrari of Denver indicate regular service and inspection, adjustment and replacement of wear items, and close attention paid to even the smallest of fit and finish items. This care continued during the car’s tenure in the Fox Collection, with nearly $4,000 of service and inspection work performed following the consignor’s acquisition. In the quest for cutting-edge performance, Ferrari is always moving forward. The Enzo’s successor, the LaFerrari, introduced electrification to its powertrain; it seems likely that Ferrari will continue to rely on that technology as emissions regulations tighten, making the Enzo’s pure, unassisted, naturally aspirated V-12 likely to be the last of its kind. Of course, it is also an enticing, high-performance by the standards of any era—as is only to be expected for a model named after Ferrari’s founder. Accompanied by its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, as well as its owners’ manuals and flashlight in a leather pouch, and tools, this stunning, incredibly preserved example in an exceedingly rare color combination is fully deserving of a place of honor in any collection of Ferraris or significant modern sports cars. With minimal production runs and maximized performance, the Fox Collection is filled with supercar selections that truly stand out from their contemporaries, with a combination of uncommon specifications, low mileages, and outstanding color combinations. The Fox Collection will be offered entirely without reserve at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, taking place 12-14 August 2021. View Listing

By Edward Jones – August 06, 2021

Mecum Monterey 2021: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Presented by Mecum Auctions - An automotive icon, this 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is one of only five examples originally finished in Fantasy Yellow. It has been treated to a concours restoration performed by Legendary Classic Center in Costa Mesa, California. The body has been stripped to bare metal prior to a meticulous deep paint application, and the car features color-matched Rudge wheels with center knock-offs. The chrome and brightwork has been polished and refinished, the drivetrain has been rebuilt to factory specification and a new wiring harness was fitted. The interior is appointed in dark green full leather and is factory correct in both material selection and presentation. It is also equipped with matching green fitted luggage stored in the trunk. Its history purports that it was retained by the factory for promotional purposes and sold to its first owner in 1963. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL is still recognized 66 years after its debut as one of the most beautiful cars ever built. It was the fastest production car of its time with a factory-rated top speed of 160 MPH. It was an innovative design that reflected forward thinking. The central structure was a space-frame constructed of lightweight alloy—a labyrinth of small-diameter tubing triangulated at strategic points for structural strength. The engine was a 3.0L straight-6 that was mounted in the chassis at a 50-degree angle to allow for both a low center of gravity as well as a lower sleek hood line. The front-mounted engine was located behind the centerline of the front suspension, creating an ideal front-to-rear weight distribution. It featured an independent front suspension and a semi-independent swing axle arrangement in the rear. Massive drum brakes insured ultimate stopping power. This European specification car comes complete with tools and luggage. This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – August 05, 2021

RM Sotheby’s Presents The Fox Collection: 1995 Ferrari F5...

Presented by RM Sotheby's - The Ferrari F512 M, or “Modificata,” was launched in 1994 as the final version of the legendary Testarossa. Ultimately, it was to be the last flat-12-powered Ferrari produced, and in an effort to create a definitive final iteration, Ferrari improved all aspects of the model with particular attention paid to the chassis, engine and cosmetics. Numerous internal engine upgrades, including titanium rods and other lightened components, this along with increased compression helped bump engine output to 440 brake horsepower, a jump of 60 from the Testarossa’s 380 brake horsepower. Engine modifications, coupled with refinements such as a new stainless exhaust, updated suspension, and a new Bosch ABS braking system, all combined to offer more power and better handling assisted by a near 50:50 weight distribution. Styling cues enhancing the 512 M’s design include a unique set of taillights, three-piece alloy wheels, and a completely revised front fascia which combined the striking lines of the F40 and 512 BB/LM. These improvements resulted in impressive performance figures of 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph, figures quite close to the F40. In total, just 501 F512 M examples were manufactured for worldwide distribution, making it one of the rarest road-going models of Luca di Montezemolo's reign at Ferrari. SERIAL NO. 20 The F512 M offered here is serial number 20 of 75 examples produced for the United States market, and was sold new to actor Lorenzo Lamas on 16 October 1996 via Ferrari of Beverly Hills. Presented wearing the traditional combination of Rosso Corsa over beige leather, this highly original F512 M has traveled just under 14,500 miles since new. After initial acquisition by Lamas, serial no. 20 was later retained by a pair of subsequent owners in Southern California, at least until 2005. In June 2009, this F512 M appears within the inventory of Algar Ferrari of Philadelphia, then showing approximately 8,000 miles. Algar sold the car to a Florida-based collector in October 2010, where it remained under their careful custodianship until May 2015, then showing approximately 13,000 miles. In January 2015, this F512 M was exhibited at Cavallino XXIV in Palm Beach, Florida, where it won both a Platinum Award and the Modern Preservation Cup. Shortly thereafter, it was successfully submitted to Ferrari Classiche and certified as retaining its matching-numbers engine and gearbox. Six years on, this rarified F512 M shows just under 14,475 miles at the time of cataloguing. Offered from the Fox Collection, this award-winning example is now accompanied by its matching Schedoni luggage, in addition to its owner’s manuals and Ferrari Classiche Red Book. The most potent and refined iteration of the Testarossa platform is the F512 M, and it is truly an incredible automobile. A quantum leap forward over the Testarossa of 1984, it represents the end of an era for Ferrari. With more and more technology being added to today’s supercars, analog examples have become increasingly desirable among collectors, and this rare Ferrari F512 M is no exception. With minimal production runs and maximized performance, the Fox Collection is filled with supercar selections that truly stand out from their contemporaries, with a combination of uncommon specifications, low mileages, and outstanding color combinations. The Fox Collection will be offered entirely without reserve at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, taking place 12-14 August 2021. View Listing

By Edward Jones – August 05, 2021

Mecum Monterey 2021: 2015 McLaren P1 GTR

Presented by Mecum Auctions - The sensation of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, McLaren’s stunning P1 plug-in hybrid sports car demonstrated the company’s commitment to road-car production. Sales commenced in October 2013 along a strictly limited production run, with orders for all 375 cars spoken for within a month. Competing directly with the upcoming Porsche 918 Spyder and LaFerrari by Ferrari, the P1 helped ignite the elite-level, extreme-performance “Hypercar” rivalry of the mid-2010s. Based on a carbon monocoque chassis at its core weighing just 90 kilograms and equipped with extremely lightweight components throughout, the P1 remains a cutting-edge demonstrator for McLaren’s wide array of race-derived technologies. Power is delivered by a P1-specific, 3.8L twin-turbocharged and intercooled V-8 engine delivering a peak 727 HP at 7,300 engine revolutions with a flat-plane crankshaft, in concert with a single electric motor raising the P1’s total output to a mind-blowing 903 HP factory rating, good for a 217 MPH top speed. Despite electrifying track-worthy performance credentials, the P1 is quite luxurious and equipped with many passenger amenities. The track-focused P1 GTR was produced after the 375th and final P1 road car was assembled. This P1 GTR is Car No. 26 of only 35 produced, and the model was initially available only to existing P1 owners. Performance is massive, with power delivered by a midmounted, twin-turbocharged 3.8L/986 HP V-8 engine and electric motor hybrid powertrain. Amazing additional features include the ERS-style “push-to-pass” system, a large fixed rear wing featuring a Formula 1-derived Drag Reduction System, and fixed ride height on a race-prepared suspension system over a set of 19-inch center-lock motorsport alloy wheels mounting Pirelli tires. Additionally, wing mirrors have been repositioned to the A-pillars, placing them closer to the driver’s line of sight and to cut aerodynamic drag. Side windows are of space-age Polycarbonate material and spent exhaust gases are removed by an exposed, centrally mounted GTR-exclusive Inconel and Titanium alloy exhaust system. Just 120 miles have been accumulated, and this instant racing legend is also instantly collectible. This 2015 McLaren P1 GTR will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – August 04, 2021

Mecum Monterey 2021: 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta...

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Rightly considered one of the most beautiful Sports/GT automobiles ever created, the 250 GT/L Berlinetta Scaglietti was, and remains, one of the most sought-after classic V-12 Ferrari models. According to Ferrari marque experts, just 350 were produced in 1963-64, yet it was the most successful road-car of its era from Maranello. It was also the 14th and final model from Ferrari with the revered “250 GT” model designation. The “Lusso” also helped generate the necessary cashflow for Enzo Ferrari’s far-flung racing commitments and continued to build the company’s staunch following among the wealthiest and most demanding motorists of the time. Featuring beautiful styling by Pininfarina and bodied by the renowned craftsmen at Scaglietti, who normally graced Ferrari’s racing cars with their artistry, the 250 GT/L continues to seduce all onlookers today. Aerodynamic efficiency matched its beauty, with an aero-efficient Kamm tail and discreet, built-in rear spoiler adding much-needed downforce. While mostly of steel body construction, the 250 GT/L did utilize lightweight aluminum panels for the doors, hood and trunk lid. Unknown to many Ferrari enthusiasts, the Lusso’s 2,400 mm tubular chassis and 3.0L engine were closely related to those employed by Ferrari’s legendary 250 GT SWB and 250 GTO competition cars. Its Gioacchino Colombo-designed, 60-degree SOHC V-12 was only somewhat detuned for road use, with triple, as opposed to six, Weber twin-choke carburetors and lower compression. As installed in the Lusso, this engine was mated to a 4-speed gearbox and quoted at 240-250 HP at 7,000 RPM. Performance was excellent as expected, with 140 MPH or more on tap. Bearing Serial No. 4513 GT, this vehicle is the 57th of 350 built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti and designed by Pininfarina. It was delivered new in July 1963 to official Ferrari Dealer Garage de Montchoisy SA of Geneva, Switzerland and eventually formed part of the Matsuda Collection in Japan. Documentation is outstanding with a Marcel Massini history report and Ferrari Classiche Certification with the “Red Book” in hand. In 2003, the Lusso was displayed at Concorso Italiano in Seaside, California. The 3.0L Colombo V-12 engine is correct, albeit sourced from 4467 GT, and it features the requisite triple Weber twin-choke carburetors, 4-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel disc brakes and Borrani wire-spoke wheels. Freshly serviced by the marque experts at Boston Sportscar, this beautiful and rare V-12 Ferrari model is perennially collectible and always desirable. This 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta Scaglietti will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2021

Mecum Monterey 2021: 2017 Lamborghini Centenario

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in 1963 with the goal of producing the best cars in the world. The cars would be handcrafted, use the best materials and be the product of the best engineers, designers and craftsmen available. A few rumors persist as to why Ferruccio entered the market with his own motorcar, which only enriches the whole experience behind the cars, the company and the man. He was born in April 1916, and to celebrate his 100th birthday the company that bears his name built the Centenario. In keeping with tradition, the Centenario was radically styled using carbon fiber panels and a monocoque carbon fiber chassis. It employed all-wheel drive and offered the most powerful engine available from the company, as well as rear-wheel steering, a first for Lamborghini. Only 40 would be built for worldwide consumption: 20 roadsters and 20 coupes. Standard coloring for the coupe would be bare carbon fiber with yellow accents, while the roadster would appear in a Matte Gray hue, but, of course, customers could order a Centenario in any color they wanted. Of them, only nine would be destined for North America in 2017, and this is one of them. Having covered only 863 miles from new, Lamborghini of Newport Beach serviced the car in July 2021. The naturally aspirated 6.5L V-12 engine produces 759 HP, which, along with the 7-speed automatic transmission, propels the car from 0-60 MPH in 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of a governor-limited 217 MPH. Carbon ceramic brakes with silver calipers scrub off speed with ease, with only 101-feet needed to bring the Centenario to a standstill from 60 MPH. With the car finished in Blue Cepheus Pearlescent and Blue Hera, bright silver accents have been hand painted to add even more visual interest, the bespoke two-tone color combination highlighting the body’s nuances. The interior is fitted with carbon fiber bucket seats and interior accents, and passengers will enjoy a touchscreen infotainment center. To be sold with books and two keys, tools, a car cover and battery tender, it also has service records to document its history. This 2017 Lamborghini Centenario will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14. View Online Listing

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