The story of #073, now being sold by Don Wallace

[hurstg01]

Courtesy of OrangeF1LM on SC.net (pics are from my files) -

"#073 1998, 63rd car built, Kandy Orange Metallic (Originally AMG Velvet Green). Chassis: SA9AB5AC4W1048073. Fitted with LM engine (Engine number: GTR LM 61121 6053 1648) and Extra High Downforce Kit.

This stunning one owner example was delivered by McLaren in 1998 and this particular collector wanted a unique car which combined the best of both worlds; the performance of the 'LM' with the internal comforts of the standard model thus giving the uncompromised option of everyday road use. After the car was purchased, McLaren offered to undertake this extraordinary project in their workshops in Woking, England. It began with the fitment of their GTR-inspired 'High Downforce Package' which dramatically improved high speed road-holding and stability. Later additional improvement was requested to increase the aerodynamic capability of the car in an effective but visually subtle manner thus it was decided to add louvres to the tops of the front wings and balance the rear end of the car with a 4mm Gurney flap. In addition to this, McLaren installed larger radiators and a sports exhaust system (the original system also accompanies the car) along with a set of forged multi-spoke O.Z. wheels (exclusive to this car) brandishing suitably colossal Michelin tyres all round.

To complete this marvel the LM engine was installed; producing an astonishing 691bhp at 7,500rpm and 735 NM of torque (dyno test sheet can be provided upon request) it makes a significant performance improvement. It is important to acknowledge the significance of this upgrade as there is only one other McLaren F1 roadcar with the LM engine fitted. An additional fax sent from McLaren in August 2000 complimented this astonishing car even further; McLaren's most experienced test driver commented that this car was 'the ultimate F1 variant, having the best combination of performance, stability, grip and handling, whilst still being practical for road use'. Unbelievable to think it possible for the greatest Supercar of all time, but with performance raised to an uncompromised optimum level, seemingly there could be no further necessary requirements.

However thanks to the comprehensive options and upgrade packages offered by the McLaren factory to this privileged individual, it was decided to respray and retrim the car to his desired combination. A unique dark tangerine metallic colour was chosen, as the studio photography shows, the result is absolutely mesmerising and for long-term protection from stonechips 'Armourfend' (a ultra thin, transparent film) has been applied to the most prone areas such as the nose, headlights and wing mirrors. In complimentary contrast, the interior was trimmed to 'GT' specification with a magnolia alcantara headlining and magnolia wilton carpets, the driver's seat was privileged with magnolia nubuck leather with beige alcantara inserts and the passenger seats were mirrored in beige alcantara with magnolia nubuck leather inserts. To finish and sharpen the visual appearance the dashboard was trimmed in black alcantara and black wilton overmats adorn the footwells. Also uprated is the air-conditioning system. In the cockpit there is a 14 inch leather-trimmed steering wheel and a Phillips satellite navigation system nestles in the left footwell within a custom-made carbon fibre casing. Notably the carbon fibre instrument panel incorporates a gear change light and the chassis number is engraved into the rev counter. Whilst in the car, you have the ability to listen to the stereo, the two-way radio Motorola communication system, the navigation satellite and/or converse with each other whilst on the move (with or without using the helicopter-rated intercom system and Peltor headsets).

Other factory upgrades on this most select McLaren include gas discharge headlights, lightly tinted side windows and as a custom request the 'F1' motifs on the doors and the sides of the rear wing have been painted silver. To complete the astonishing achievement Gordon Murray himself has hand-signed this supercar on the carbon fibre area in between the chassis plate and the gear stick in silver permanent marker. Since new, the car has always been stored in the custody of McLaren Cars and all service and up-grade options, that McLaren offers to their exclusive clientele, have only ever been carried out by McLaren Cars in their Customer Care Workshops. The LM engine has covered just over 5,000 kms (3,000 miles) since installation and less than 500kms (300 miles) since the last thorough service. The odometer reading just 18,540kms (11,500 miles) but if one takes into consideration that the chassis is unperishable and the engine is so fresh, it can be regarded as virtually new.

Presented in immaculate condition throughout, this particular McLaren F1 is the 'ultimate' example of the model and with its comprehensive specification and knockout looks should not be missed. Included is the Facom tool kit, McLaren 073 wristwatch made specifically for this car, fitted luggage, users manuals and the Swiss Permis de Circulation."

It seems, due to illness, Don Wallace is clearing out some of his collection (IIRc he wanted the first and / or last of each Supercar he liked.

Get Well Soon Mr Wallace.

[-DeaDLocK-]

I'll be the first to say what most of you are thinking:

Get well Don Wallace.

And:

God I REALLY REALLY wish I had the money.

[hurstg01]

Originally Posted by -DeaDLocK-

I'll be the first to say what most of you are thinking:
Get well Don Wallace.

2nd

Originally Posted by hurstg01

Get Well Soon Mr Wallace.

But I agree; I also wish I had the money - I'll be watching the Euromillions draw tonight very closely

[carbuilder2002]

If I had the cash right now I would even bypass 11R for this one.

[hurstg01]

I - I'd have to send it back to the factory - I'm unsure if I like the colour, and those wheels have to go!! It's stance is spot on and I like the fact it has the HDF kit and LM-spec engine, but for me its got to go back to Woking for some tweaking But bypassing 11R for this?

[carbuilder2002]

Well maybe that was a bit rash, mind it is one of a kind and has the advantages of the GTR plus the advantages of the roadcar.

[BMW.WilliamsF1Team]

I figured this would go up for sale once he sold his MC12 and had his CLK-GTR on the auction block (unsold) at Monterey.

Btw, the guys maintaining his collection told me at that Celebration car show they had an offer of $2 million for it and turned it down. That was when Don had all his cars, but now he's selling so maybe he would take that amount for it.

[PatrickT82]

maybe a great opportunity for Carbuilder cause this is one of the most beautiful F1's!!!!

[Peloton25]

Reviving this old thread too, for good reason.

Someone on L4P.com has spotted #073 twice in Monterey, CA over the past year.

His initial post:

I live in Monterey, CA, and there's a orange F1 that I've seen twice near 17 Mile Drive and stuff, know anything on it? The driver is very quick with it; the first time I saw him he floored it at the light go uphill, was amazing.

I responded with the suggestion that it could be #038, asked when he saw it, and shared some photos. His response to that:

I would say it was about 2 months ago. The first time, I would say last semester, maybe around May or so. The first time I saw it it was coming down the road that passes a mall, and the second time I saw it was maybe a street away from the first place I saw it. It wasn't dark persay, but it wasn't light either. I remember pulling up close to him but the light turned green and he floored it up to towards 17 Mile. If it makes any difference, it had wheels that looked very close to the BMW M3s you see around and had the wing too.

When I shared pics of #073 next...

It looked exactly like the first picture, and had that exact wing I'd say.

So that's very interesting and cool info. Not only has it probably found a new owner, it is also being driven too!

>8^)
ER

[cabrio92]

thank you and interesting,

the first text looks like the ad for 2003 auction... The kilometers are the same.

Phil

[F1FREAKZILLA]

his supercar collection is awesome--does anyone know why he is selling it off?

[Peloton25]

Bottom of the first post:

It seems, due to illness, Don Wallace is clearing out some of his collection

>8^)
ER