A Unique Collection of McLaren Cars Up for Sale
A rare collection of McLaren cars, once owned by a secretive tycoon, is now up for sale. This exclusive group includes a highly valuable McLaren F1, which was the final model ever produced. The vehicles were previously in the possession of French entrepreneur Mansour Ojjeh, who played a significant role in shaping McLaren’s legacy over the years. After his passing in 2021, the collection remained unclaimed until British automotive firm Tom Hartley Jnr took on the responsibility of selling these prized models.
Among the collection, the last McLaren F1 ever made stands out. Not only are McLaren F1s already considered extremely rare, but this particular car has an exclusive custom paint job known as Yquem. This unique feature adds to its desirability and value in the collector’s market.
Mansour Ojjeh was the CEO of TAG, a company that held a 14.32% stake in the McLaren Group. The group’s assets include McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula One team. Early in his life, Ojjeh was deeply passionate about Ferraris, collecting several models from the Italian brand. However, his connection with McLaren led him to shift his focus entirely to the British marque in the later years of his life.
McLaren’s Performance on the Track
While the sale of Ojjeh’s collection captures attention, McLaren’s Formula One team is also making headlines. This season has been a positive one for the team, with Oscar Piastri leading the Drivers’ Championship and Lando Norris closely following in second place. However, Piastri recently faced some controversy during the British Grand Prix.
During the race, Piastri received a 10-second penalty after braking too aggressively behind the Safety Car. This decision cost him the lead, allowing Lando Norris to take over. Piastri attempted to request his position back, but the decision was not overturned. His frustration was evident in his post-race comments.
“I’m not going to say much; I’ll get myself in trouble. Well done to Nico [Hulkenberg], who finished third — I think that’s the highlight of the day. I’ll leave it there,” Piastri said.
He further explained that he felt the penalty was unfair. “Apparently, you can’t brake behind the Safety Car anymore. I did it for five laps before that, and again, I’m not going to say too much because I’ll get myself in trouble.”
Piastri acknowledged that the penalty was harsh but expressed satisfaction with the performance of his car. “I thought the penalty was pretty bad, but anyway, I’m glad we had a quick car today. I showed what I needed to prove, and it’s just disappointing when what you deserve gets taken from you, but that’s how it goes.”
He added, “I hit the brakes, saw the Safety Car lights go off, so I didn’t accelerate again. Then Max [Verstappen] went past me, which was a bit strange, and then I got a penalty for it. It’s as simple as that. The pace was good, I did everything I needed to, just didn’t get the result I deserved.”
The Legacy of a Passionate Collector
Ojjeh’s transition from Ferrari to McLaren highlights his deep admiration for the brand. His collection, which eventually featured only McLarens, reflects his long-standing relationship with the company. As the cars are now being sold, they represent not only a financial opportunity but also a piece of automotive history.
The sale of this collection is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts around the world. With the McLaren F1 being one of the most iconic sports cars ever made, the inclusion of a rare, custom-painted model makes this collection even more appealing.
As the story of Ojjeh’s legacy continues to unfold, both the sale of his cars and the ongoing success of McLaren’s Formula One team remain topics of great interest. Whether through the track or the auction house, McLaren continues to capture the imagination of fans and collectors alike.
