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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The 1997 McLaren F1 GT is a road-going homologation special built to support McLaren’s extensively revised F1 GTR race car. Its extended rear bodywork is the defining visual feature, and specialist references report just three road cars: prototype chassis 056 and customer cars 054 and 058.
What is the 1997 McLaren F1 GT?
The F1 GT was a road car, not another name for the F1 GTR. McLaren developed it as the road-legal counterpart needed to homologate substantial changes to the GTR for the 1997 GT racing season. As competition in the BPR Global GT Series and the new FIA GT Championship intensified, the race car’s revised bodywork and dimensions required a corresponding road-going model, according to the specialist history at McLaren F1 Road Car.
McLaren’s official F1 legacy page describes the F1 as conceived in 1988 and realised in 1992, and as the company’s first road-car undertaking. The GT was a later, highly specialised branch of that road-car story.
How many F1 GTs were made?
Specialist references report three F1 GT road cars. Their chassis identities are prototype XPGT, chassis 056, retained by McLaren, and customer cars chassis 054 and 058. The three-car count and identities are reported by McLaren F1 Road Car and are also repeated in a specialist buyer’s guide. These are specialist-source claims rather than a factory chassis register cited here.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Why does the F1 GT have a long tail?
The GT adopted the extended rear bodywork developed for the revised GTR, alongside extra front-end louvers and wider wheel arches. The long rear section served an aerodynamic purpose: the specialist history says it generated sufficient downforce without the large fixed rear wing fitted to the F1 LM. The GT also had a modified interior with a racing steering wheel.
F1 GT vs. F1 GTR and F1 LM
| Model | Role | Body and aero distinction | Power and weight figures cited |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 F1 GT | Road-going homologation car | Extended rear body, front louvers and wider arches; no large fixed LM-style wing | 627 bhp; 2,469 lb / 1,120 kg, as listed by the specialist specification table |
| 1997 F1 GTR | Race car | Revised long-tail race bodywork | 600 bhp; 2,017 lb / 915 kg, as listed in the same specialist table for the 1997 GTR |
| F1 LM | Road-going model distinct from the GT | Fitted with a large fixed rear wing, unlike the GT | Not stated in the cited history and specification references |
The GT and GTR figures above come from the independent enthusiast reference McLaren F1 Road Car specifications; they are not interchangeable. The GTR’s lower listed weight and different brake specification belong to the race car, not the road GT.
Rank #2
- Double-Pack LEGO Set - Features 2 buildable replica toy car models: McLaren Solus GT and McLaren F1 LM for kids and adults to build and display
- Expand Racing World - LEGO Speed Champions sets like Ferrari 812 Competizione (76914) and Porsche 963 (76916) await sports car lovers for more racing excitement
- High-Speed Racing Fun - This model car building kit comes with 2 driver minifigures for setting up thrilling races with the car toys for boys and girls
- Realistic Solus GT - The Solus GT toy car model includes authentic details: white, black, and orange color scheme, prominent wheel arches, and cockpit
- Distinctive F1 LM - The McLaren F1 LM race car toy showcases its iconic papaya orange color, central driving seat, and cooling ducts on both sides
1997 McLaren F1 GT specifications
The following figures are the road-car entry in the independent specialist specification table, not a factory technical document cited here.
| Specification | 1997 F1 GT road car |
|---|---|
| Engine | BMW V12, 6,064 cc |
| Listed output | 627 bhp |
| Engine management | TAG 3.12 ignition and injection |
| Transmission | Transverse six-speed with limited-slip differential |
| Chassis | Carbon-fibre reinforced composite monocoque |
| Suspension | Front and rear double wishbones |
| Brakes | 13-inch front and 12-inch rear ventilated discs |
| Wheels | 18 × 10.85 inches front; 18 × 13 inches rear |
| Listed weight | 2,469 lb / 1,120 kg |
| Length | 194 in / 4,928 mm |
| Width | 76.4 in / 1,940 mm |
| Height | 47.2 in / 1,200 mm |
| Wheelbase | 107 in / 2,718 mm |
What the FIA record establishes
The FIA Historic Database lists the McLaren F1 in Group GT, with a homologation date of January 2, 1995, and an end date of January 1, 2005. It also records extension 2/2VO, dated March 2, 1997, for bodywork and dimensions. The record supports the homologation context for the GT’s revised shape; it is not itself a production or chassis-count register. The FIA cautions that its online forms are consultation copies only and are not valid event documents. See the FIA Historic Database record.
Rank #3
- SOLIDO BRAND QUALITY: Solido is known for producing high-quality diecast model cars with exceptional detail, durable construction, and accurate representations of real vehicles. Each model is crafted with precision and built to last.
- 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.
- TOP QUALITY MATERIALS: Constructed with a diecast metal body and plastic components, this model provides structural balance while allowing fine detailing across exterior features. The paint and livery application are evenly applied to reflect the intended racing finish, while smaller components contribute to the overall appearance, supporting a clean, consistent, and visually refined presentation suitable for shelves and display environments.
- 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.
What to verify when assessing an F1 GT
With only three cars reported, identification depends on provenance as well as appearance. A serious assessment should reconcile the chassis identity and ownership history with specialist records, then review originality and service documentation. A specialist buyer’s guide discusses inspection and service-planning considerations for F1 ownership; it is guidance, not an official valuation or factory certification.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brand new box. Authentic detail. Real rubber tires. Detailed wheel design. Detailed under-chassis. Detailed interior, exterior. Comes in a blister pack. Officially licensed product. Die-cast metal body and chassis. Dimensions approximately L-2.75 inches long.
- Theme: Sport
- Included components: No
Rank #4
- Brand new box
- Real rubber tires.
- Detailed interior, exterior.
- Die-cast metal body and chassis,
- Dimensions approximately L-3 inches long.
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