1998 McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a wreck just waiting to happen - while names can’t be named, over a dozen cars were crashed by their over-exuberant owners soon after delivery

The idea of creating the ultimate and most exciting road car was conceived as early as 1988. Following a meeting of minds led by designer Gordon Murray, McLaren declared its intention to build the F1 using technology generated in its Formula One racing program, “regardless of cost.”

The result was a most sensational combination of styling and performance. The car featured a 60-degree, 6.1-liter V12 engine with four valves per cylinder and continuous variable inlet valve timing. The dry sump magnesium-cast engine fed power through a transversely mounted six-speed gearbox mated to a triple-plate carbon clutch with aluminum flywheel. Aside from the mechanical specifications, the body was unique, fabricated entirely in carbon fiber, a three-seater that placed the two passengers to the sides and slightly aft of the center-positioned driver, with luggage space in side compartments on both sides of the car.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 560 hp per...