A Unique Collection of McLaren Road Cars to Be Sold
An exclusive collection of 20 McLaren road cars, owned by the late Mansour Ojjeh, is set to be sold. These vehicles represent a rare and significant part of automotive history, with each model being the final chassis number of its respective series. Ojjeh, a French-Saudi entrepreneur and former shareholder of both TAG Heuer and the McLaren Group, passed away in June 2021.
Tom Hartley Jr., a leading classic car dealer, has been entrusted with the sale of this collection. Hartley previously made headlines when he sold Bernie Ecclestone’s extensive collection of 69 historic Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars for approximately $600 million. The Ojjeh family has chosen him to handle the sale of their late relative's prized possessions.
Among the 20 vehicles in the collection are iconic models such as the Speedtail, P1, Senna, and the F1. The F1, often considered the crown jewel of the collection, holds particular significance. It was the last of its kind ever produced and was finished in a unique color named 'Mansour Orange' by McLaren. This custom hue was used exclusively on Ojjeh’s cars, highlighting his personal touch and deep connection with the brand.
Most of the cars in the collection remain unused and in factory-delivered condition. They have been maintained under direct instruction from McLaren itself, a level of service that no other collector has ever received. The only exceptions are the F1, which has covered just 1,810 kilometers, and the P1 GTR, which was occasionally used during McLaren track days.
A Legacy of Passion and Innovation
Under Ojjeh’s leadership, McLaren achieved remarkable success, securing seven constructors’ championships and 10 drivers’ championships. He played a crucial role in launching McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Applied Technologies division, solidifying the brand’s reputation as a leader in innovation and engineering excellence.
Kathy Ojjeh, Mansour’s widow, shared her thoughts on the collection: “McLaren meant so much to Mansour. It was more than business; it was pure passion. He curated this unique collection of McLaren road cars with that same passion.”
She added, “The ‘Last of Legends’ collection is a treasure for our family. It reminds us of the time we spent watching Mansour design each car to his specifications. His attention to detail was extraordinary, driven by a deep love for McLaren that he nurtured over the years.”
Parting with the collection is not an easy decision, but Kathy believes it is time for the cars to find a new custodian who truly understands their value. “It is time for it to go to its new custodian, one who truly ‘gets it’ and will cherish owning and caring for it the way Mansour did,” she said.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, expressed his admiration for Ojjeh’s contributions: “Mansour was a founding father of McLaren as we know it today. He was a massive fan of the brand and played a vital role in its Formula 1 success. His collection is very special, and I’m not aware of anything else that compares with it.”
A Rare Opportunity for Enthusiasts
Tom Hartley Jr., who will oversee the sale, shared his sentiments: “I’m truly humbled that the Ojjeh family has entrusted my business with the sale of their incredible collection. I had the privilege of meeting Mansour on a few occasions, and his attention to detail and appreciation for the finer things in life are clearly reflected in the collection that remains today.”
He continued, “Offering this collection for sale would be extraordinary in its own right, but the fact that it comes from the home of one of McLaren Automotive’s founding figures makes it truly unrepeatable.”
This collection represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Each vehicle carries the legacy of Mansour Ojjeh and the rich history of McLaren. With its unique combination of rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance, the sale promises to be a major event in the world of high-performance automobiles.
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