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1997 Gulf McLaren F1 GTR Longtail: What the Name Identifies

The Gulf-liveried 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail is not uniquely identified by name alone. Here is how chassis 20R, race entries and model listings fit together.
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The 1997 Gulf McLaren F1 GTR Longtail was a Gulf Team Davidoff-liveried example of McLaren’s racing F1, but the name alone does not identify one specific chassis or race entry. Chassis 20R is a documented Gulf car associated with the #41 1997 Le Mans model listing; other Gulf entries, including #39, also appear in model catalogues.

What “F1 GTR Longtail” means

The F1 GTR was McLaren’s competition version of the F1 road car, developed after customers asked for a racing model. McLaren’s heritage account describes the original GTR as only slightly modified from the road car, with changes including a steel roll cage, quicker steering-rack ratios and the removal of rubber suspension bushings. Regulations kept that original GTR below 600 bhp. These details explain the GTR’s origins; they are not a complete specification for the 1997 Longtail.

“Longtail” identifies the later F1 GTR variant associated with the 1997 season. The available evidence describes a Gulf Team Davidoff Longtail, but without a chassis number, race number or event, the title should be read as a subject-family label rather than a uniquely identified race car.

Which Gulf car might it refer to?

Chassis 20R is described in secondary chassis-reference material as the second Longtail built and one of the cars entrusted to Gulf Team Davidoff. That source also says McLaren retained it and displayed it in Le Mans livery at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The account is not manufacturer-confirmed here, so those chassis-specific details should be treated as secondary-source claims.

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#1 Best Overall
Solido McLaren F1 GTR Short Tail White #01 N.Piquet/J.Cecotto 2 Horas de Brasilia 1996
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  • MCLAREN BRAND MODEL: This McLaren F1 GTR Short Tail model represents a race car associated with the 1996 2 Horas de Brasilia event. It reflects the aerodynamic proportions, race-focused design, and distinctive competition livery cues linked to endurance racing vehicles, capturing the visual identity and appearance associated with historic GT racing cars.
  • FEATURES & DETAILS: This 1:18 scale diecast model measures approximately 10 inches in length and is finished in white #01 N. Piquet / J. Cecotto livery. Designed for display, it highlights race car proportions, aerodynamic body lines, and competition graphics, offering a representation suited for collectors focused on historic motorsport vehicles and endurance racing heritage.
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  • COLLECTIBLE DISPLAY ITEM: This McLaren F1 GTR Short Tail model is intended for collectors aged 14 and above and is designed for display purposes. With its racing heritage and detailed finish, it fits well within collections focused on motorsport history, particularly for enthusiasts of endurance racing vehicles and 1990s GT competition design.

Model listings associate chassis 20R with Gulf #41 in a 1997 Le Mans kit description. A Minichamps catalogue result also lists Gulf Team Davidoff Le Mans models for 1997, including #41 and #39. Those listings establish that multiple Gulf entries are relevant; they do not prove which car a general reference to “the 1997 Gulf Longtail” intends.

How it fits McLaren’s racing record

McLaren gives the F1 GTR’s racing period as 1995–2005 and credits the program with 38 race wins. The GTR won the 24 Hours of Le Mans on its first attempt in 1995 and took the 1995 Global GT Championship. These are achievements of the wider F1 GTR program, not results that can be assigned to the 1997 Gulf Longtail or chassis 20R without evidence for a particular event.

Rank #2
OPO 10 - Collectible Miniature car 1/43 Compatible with McLaren F1 GTR #59 24h Le Mans 1995 - LM005
  • Collectible miniature car on a 1/43 scale, made of metal
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McLaren heritage account contributor and racing driver Ray Bellm described the handling effect of the GTR’s changes: “As a result of the changes, it didn’t load up in the same way [as the standard car] and you could really zip it around,” he said. The comment concerns the GTR generally, not a test of the 1997 Longtail.

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Collecting models of the Gulf Longtail

Scale models are a physical collectible associated with this subject. Listings found include a 1/24 Gulf #41 kit described as chassis 20R and 1/43 Gulf Davidoff kits. A listing’s scale, livery and race number are useful identifiers, but they do not establish live stock or guarantee that every kit in a product family depicts the same car.

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LEGO Speed Champions McLaren F1 Team MCL38 Race Car Toy - Building Set for Kids, Boys & Girls, Ages 10+ - Toy Car for F1 Fans - Gift Idea for Birthday - 77251
  • MCLAREN F1 TEAM CAR TOY – LEGO Speed Champions McLaren F1 Team MCL38 Race Car vehicle set for boys and girls ages 10 and up to build, display and race
  • 1 DRIVER MINIFIGURE – The vehicle kit includes a driver minifigure wearing a McLaren outfit and a winged helmet for kids to place inside the cockpit and role-play thrilling race action
  • AUTHENTIC DETAILS – A McLaren F1 car with details from the real-life 2024 version, including a halo bar, rear wing, sponsor stickers and wider rear tires imprinted with “Pirelli”
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MIEBELY Official Licensed 1/14 McLaren F1 Remote Control Car for Adults Kid
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Matchbox McLaren F1 GT Die Cast Car, 1:64 Scale, Green, 1997, Exotic Series 32/125
  • MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLE: Part of the 1997 Matchbox Exotic Series, this McLaren F1 GT is numbered 32 out of 125.
  • DIE CAST CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from durable die cast metal for an authentic, detailed replica of the iconic McLaren F1 GT.
  • 1:64 SCALE: True-to-life 1:64 scale model accurately captures the sleek design and proportions of the real McLaren F1 GT.
  • VIBRANT GREEN FINISH: Features a bold green paint finish that makes this collectible model visually striking on any display shelf.
  • GREAT FOR COLLECTORS AND KIDS: A fantastic addition to any die cast car collection, and a fun toy car for children who love exotic vehicles.
  • Confirm the race number and any chassis attribution in the exact listing; Gulf #41 and #39 entries both appear in catalogue results.
  • Check the scale: the examples identified include 1/24 and 1/43.
  • Confirm whether the item is a kit or a ready-built model, and inspect the description for included decals and livery details.
  • Verify current availability and contents with the seller before purchasing; current stock was not established.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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