The puzzling "M1 MAC" F1 - what chassis # is it?

[Peloton25]

This is one of those cars that has been spotted a few times over the years, but I don't believe we've ever been able to confirm the chassis number. As you must know by now, this is always very frustrating to me. Here's a new image of it I found recently that obviously dates back several years, again being displayed along with other noteworthy McLaren F1s.



The fact that this F1 was used by Jeremy Clarkson in one video and that it was seen in some of McLaren's promotional displays makes me think there was some tie in with the factory for this car.

The most logical possibility would have been Ron Dennis' chassis #003 given that visually this car seems to match that one quite closely. Most of the confirmed shots of #003 show it wearing the 'K4 MCL' plate however, but even more importantly, and what I believe clearly excludes #003 is that this F1 wears the later style side mirrors from the sourced from VW.

Chassis #011 and #024 were both painted "Carbon" originally so I guess it is safe to assume it would have to be one of them. The earliest images of #011 show a red stripe on the ventline of the door and a plate that read 'M351 HPM' so possibly that should be excluded as well. Beyond those comments I don't have any solid details to go on. I guess I am hoping an insider will see this and have some recollection. Otherwise, we'll just enjoy the picture I guess.

>8^)
ER

[hurstg01]

Great pic -#007? [I'm not at home with my files, and I've had a beer, so I may be off a bit with that stab in the dark.... ]

[Peloton25]

According to Mr B, chassis #007 went to a member of an arabian royal family and was there until 1998. The first UK registration I recall it wearing was M14 MCL and the interior was rather different so I don't think it is a possible candidate.

>8^)
ER

[hurstg01]

There was discussion on another forum about M1MAC living in England near to member of that forum, but everyone thought he saw another F1 -I'll try to find it over the weekend.............

[Le Man]

#020 Pre HDF ??

[Peloton25]

<-- chassis #020 Pre HDF

>8^)
ER

[Le Man]

Just a thought, could this be Ray Bellm,s road F1?

[Peloton25]

That's a logical guess, but I have never come across any details regarding the road car he owned.

>8^)
ER

[Peloton25]

Well I'm not necessarily all that much closer to the chassis number, but did learn who was likely the original owner of the "MI MAC" F1.

Check out this little detail from an article on the Gumball Rally in 2000.

Paul Burdell, multi-millionaire ex-chairman of a City bank, needs to dress streamlined - he's driving the million-pound McLaren F1 (registration MI MAC), the world's fastest road car.

Here's a link to the full article: Life in the fast lane

We had a previous discussion about that car's participation here in the event once before:

mclarens in the gumball

An interesting story also came my way about this F1 leaving me questioning it's current status:

"The owner was going over Hammersmith Bridge one day and he swipped the side of the car on the big concrete kerb. He over corrected and did the other side. Whoops."

The source of that bit of detail was uncertain about the chassis number other than to say that it was an early car. Chassis #024 still seems most likely to me.

A search of the web for Paul's name also shows another coincidence - in 1995 and 1996 he campaigned a 911 GT2 in various sportscar races. That car he drove was prepared for him by Lanzante Motorsport.

>8^)
ER

[hurstg01]

Originally Posted by Peloton25

"The owner was going over Hammersmith Bridge one day and he swipped the side of the car on the big concrete kerb. He over corrected and did the other side. Whoops."
>8^)
ER

I always wondered what F1 was the root of that story. If M1MAC was this car, I doubt it belongs to Ray Bellm; can't see such a great racer losing it so easily

[Peloton25]

Ummm, I just told you who the owner was. Maybe I didn't make it clear enough - but it was the same guy on the bridge.

>8^)
ER

[hurstg01]

you told us who the driver was.... Anyway, it's good to get a little history on the car

[Peloton25]

Oh - well read a little further into it at will.

When I said "likely original owner" I was simply implying that someone else might have owned the car prior to him.

>8^)
ER

[BRX880]

My guess on that one - #024!
To me it has the same colour as 003, which was on display at the same event...
In the first picture 003 is visible in the background (note the wet stain near the rear tire).

M1 MAC

003

[hurstg01]