When it comes to the pinnacle of performance, engineering and automotive innovation, few names carry as much weight as McLaren. As a name that is synonymous with Formula 1 dominance and futuristic design, McLaren has built a legacy not only on the racetrack but also in the world of ultra-high-end vehicles.
The McLaren story began in 1963 when New Zealand-born racer Bruce McLaren founded Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd. With a clear vision to push the boundaries of automotive performance, McLaren made its name in Formula 1, winning its first Grand Prix in 1968 and going on to dominate the sport in the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1992, the company released its first production car, the McLaren F1 and with a naturally aspirated V12, a carbon-fibre chassis and a central driving position, the F1 wasn’t just fast, it was revolutionary. Many consider it the greatest car ever built and its influence continues to shape the brand’s DNA. This love for speed eventually fostered partnerships with industry leaders such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, paving the way for McLaren’s transformation into a prominent car manufacturer.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most expensive McLarens of all time, from legendary classics to limited-edition supercars that have shattered records.
1995 McLaren F1 – $20.5 Million
Sold at Pebble Beach in 2021, this McLaren F1 broke records by fetching $20.47 million, making it the priciest McLaren ever sold. As one of the most original, untouched examples and featuring a Creighton Brown specification, the vehicle had very low mileage (242 miles), which boosted its desirability and fueled intense bidding.
The car incorporates advanced lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and is powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine developed by BMW, producing 627 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 240 mph. The F1's central seating position, naturally aspirated BMW-sourced V12 engine and minimalist design have helped it become a pinnacle of 1990s automotive engineering and a crown jewel among supercar collectors.
1994 McLaren F1 “LM-Specification” (Chassis No. 018) – $19.80 Million
Only six McLaren F1 LMs were ever made and even fewer were modified to LM specification. These ultra-rare editions were lighter, faster and equipped with a more aggressive aero package than the original F1 model.
Similar to the F1 model, the car is equipped with a 6.1-litre V12 engine and produces 627 horsepower. It can reach a speed of 240 mph and its unique central driving position and aerodynamic design further distinguish it in both aesthetics and performance. In 2019, one of these LM-spec examples fetched $19.8 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
1995 McLaren F1 Chassis No. 044 – $15.6 Million
The 1995 McLaren F1 with chassis number 044 achieved a sale price of $15.6 million at a Bonhams auction in 2017. This specific McLaren F1 is notable for being the first one imported into the United States and is best known for its original condition and distinctive features like the gold-lined engine bay.
It’s equipped with the same 6.1-litre V12 engine and built around a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque chassis. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, it held the title of the world’s fastest production car and today, with only a handful preserved in original condition, this McLaren stands as a coveted prize among dedicated collectors.
McLaren P1 GTR – $3.6 Million+
The P1GTR is the track-only version of McLaren’s plug-in hybrid hypercar, built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the F1’s Le Mans victory. Only 58 units were produced and each one was customised to buyer preferences.
It pairs a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with an electric motor and produces a combined output of 986 horsepower. Designed with aerodynamics and lightweight construction, original pricing was around $2.5 million however, many P1 GTRs have since been listed for over $3.5 million, depending on their spec and ownership history.
McLaren Sabre – $3.5 Million
Only available in the U.S., the McLaren Sabre is a bespoke model built by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Limited to just 15 units, the car is one of the rarest McLarens ever built and is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 824 horsepower, making it the most powerful non-hybrid McLaren to date.
With a top speed of 218 mph, it ranks among the brand’s fastest vehicles and its dramatic aerodynamic features, including an oversized rear wing, are engineered to maximise downforce and stability. With the most powerful non-hybrid McLaren V8 ever made (824 hp), the Sabre is a one-off masterpiece for collectors.
McLaren Speedtail – $3 Million+
As the successor to the F1, the Speedtail features a teardrop-shaped body, a 250 mph speed and a central driving position.
Its 4.0-litre hybrid V8, paired with an electric motor, generates a combined output of 1,035 horsepower and with a top speed of 250 mph, it holds the title of the fastest McLaren ever built. Inside, the central driving position, flanked by two passenger seats, echoes the legendary layout of the McLaren F1.
McLaren P1 – $2.6 Million
The McLaren P1 is a true legend among supercars and commands an average price of £2.6 million. The vehicle houses a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a combined output of 903 brake horsepower.
This model can reach a top speed of 217 miles per hour and accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 2.8 seconds, offering breathtaking performance that is synonymous with the McLaren name.
McLaren Senna GTR – $2.3 Million
The McLaren Senna GTR is a true race car, commanding a hefty price of $2.3 million. The car boasts a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing a mighty 814 horsepower.
Inside, the Senna GTR keeps things ultra-lightweight, shedding every possible ounce to enhance performance and with only 75 models ever made, it’s one of the rarest McLarens to date.
McLaren Elva – $1.7 Million+
The Elva is an open-cockpit vehicle with no roof, no windshield and is inspired by McLaren’s 1960s racing barchettas.
The model showcases a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 804 horsepower. Yet, what truly sets it apart is its Active Air Management System (AAMS), which directs airflow over the cabin so it doesn’t need a windshield. Originally planned for 399 units, McLaren ultimately built just 149, driving demand even higher.
Although many McLaren vehicles rank among the most expensive ever produced, the brand continues to honour its heritage through its modern and forward-thinking designs. In appreciation of its devoted fans, McLaren often dedicates its limited-edition releases and bespoke models to an elite group of clients, aiming to deliver masterpieces of engineering that circulate among wealthy collectors, with some vehicles commanding prices well into the tens of millions, placing them among the most expensive cars ever sold.
Owning a McLaren is a statement of wealth and a celebration of McLaren’s legacy. From the legendary F1 to the futuristic Speedtail, the most expensive McLarens represent the excellence of automotive ambition and innovation. These machines are far more than just fast vehicles, they’re sound investments and feats of vehicle engineering.
