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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Automotive

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a limited-production British supercar designed by Gordon Murray and built by McLaren from 1992 to 1998.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The McLaren F1 is a legendary British supercar produced from 1992 to 1998. It features a three-seat layout with a central driving position and a BMW V12 engine.

What it is

The McLaren F1 was McLaren Automotive's first road car, conceived in 1988 and produced from 1992 to 1998. Only 106 examples were built, making it a rare collectible.

Key details

Designed by Gordon Murray, the F1 uses a carbon-fibre body and a 6.1-litre BMW S70/2 V12 engine. Its three-seat cabin places the driver in the centre.

Why it matters

The F1 remains the world's fastest naturally aspirated road car, with a top speed of about 240 mph (386 km/h). Auction prices have reached $20.5 million.

In short

  • First road car from McLaren, produced 1992–1998
  • Only 106 examples built
  • Powered by a 6.1L BMW V12 engine
  • Top speed around 240 mph (386 km/h)
Canadian angle

The McLaren F1 is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a high-value collectible and a benchmark supercar often discussed in automotive journalism, auctions, and enthusiast culture in Canada.

Quick questions

What is the McLaren F1?
The McLaren F1 is a limited-production British supercar and McLaren's first road car, produced from 1992 to 1998.
How fast is the McLaren F1?
It is commonly cited at about 240 mph (386 km/h), and McLaren says it remains the world's fastest naturally aspirated road car.
How many McLaren F1s were made?
McLaren states that 106 examples were made in the original limited production run.

Sources

  1. McLaren — https://cars.mclaren.com/uk_en/ultimate-models/mclaren-f1
    Supports: First road car, conceived in 1988, realised in 1992, 106 examples built, fastest naturally aspirated road car, auction value up to $20.5 million
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLaren_F1
    Supports: Production years 1992–1998, 106 cars manufactured, road-going sports car
  3. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/features/mclaren-f1
    Supports: First road-legal McLaren production car, production years, engine details, 106 examples, auction prices around $20 million
  4. Supercars.net — https://www.supercars.net/blog/mclaren-f1/
    Supports: 6.1-litre BMW V12, 0-60 mph and top speed figures, 106 units
  5. Road & Track — https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10368266/the-complete-oral-history-of-the-mclaren-f1/
    Supports: Production run, 627-hp BMW V12, 231 mph cited top speed, three-seat layout
  6. McLaren Philadelphia — https://www.mclarenphl.com/dealership/history.htm
    Supports: 106 units produced, road-legal vehicle capable of over 200 mph