McLaren Icon's Multi-Million Dollar Car Collection Up For Sale
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The family of Mansour Ojjeh has stated their intention to sell a massive collection of McLaren cars collected by the famous car brand icon.
The family chose high-end car dealer Tom Hartley Jnr to conduct the sale of 20 McLaren road cars that belong to the Formula 1 icon.
The French businessman owned TAG (Techniques d'Avant Garde), which sponsored several sporting companies around the world.
Ojjeh and TAG broke into F1 through the Williams racing team as a sponsor.
In 1984, he made a move to buy a stake in McLaren and steered the company to seven Constructors' titles and ten Drivers' Championships.
Mansour Ojjeh of Mclaren and Saudi Arabia with Zak Brown CEO of Mclaren and USA during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
Mansour Ojjeh of Mclaren and Saudi Arabia with Zak Brown CEO of Mclaren and USA during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
Photo by PeterWhile leading the organization to motorsport success, he also played a role in developing the brand as a whole.
He created McLaren Automotive and McLaren Applied Technologies — pushing the car manufacturer forward into the future.
Ojjeh died in 2021, leaving his family in control of his remaining assets, including the car collection.
His wife, Kathy Ojjeh, released a statement about the decision to sell the cars:
"Parting with this very personal collection is not easy, but it is time for it to go to its new custodian, one who truly 'gets it' and will cherish owning and caring for it the way Mansour did," she said.
The collection's most poignant car is the McLaren F1 road car, which was the first road-going series model produced by the car brand.
The McLaren F1 at Salon Prive London, held at the Royal Chelsea Hospital. This is Salon Prive's third event held in London, with many manufactures unveiling their newest cars.
The McLaren F1 at Salon Prive London, held at the Royal Chelsea Hospital. This is Salon Prive's third event held in London, with many manufactures unveiling their newest cars.
Photo byOther McLaren models featured in the collection include the Speedtail, P1, Senna, Elva, Sabre, and Le Mans editions.
The Sabre model is the last of the 16 produced, making it extremely rare.
Other than the F1 and P1 models, the rest of the collection remains in factory condition through maintenance by McLaren.
"Mansour was a founding father of McLaren as we know it today," the current-day McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said about the collection.
"A massively passionate racer and automotive enthusiast and no bigger fan of McLaren. His collection is very special, I'm not aware of anything else that compares with it."
All 20 cars are branded with a signature color named Yquem, which was later renamed Mansour Orange by McLaren. It is a custom hue reserved only for cars owned by Ojjeh.
Tom Hartley sold Bernie Ecclestone's collection of 69 historic racing Formula 1 cars earlier this year for more than $500 million and serves as a major car dealer based in England.
More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive
For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
40 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles Blows Monterey Car Week Away With Two McLaren F1-Inspired Manual V12 Hypercars
Gordon Murray Automotive, responsible for the T.50 and T.33 variants, now has a sister company specializing in the sorts of bespoke creations that turn exotics into generational works of art. It's called Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, and the first two creations to be commissioned are named S1 LM and Le Mans GTR, making their debut at Monterey Car Week. As their names hint, they pay tribute to the McLaren F1 LM and GTR of Le Mans fame, and they give the great Gordon Murray opportunities to further improve on iconic hypercars he's penned. GMSV's Bespoke division will handle one-of-one customer commissions like the S1 LM, while its Heritage division will be responsible for continuation cars and reimaginings of cars Murray designed. Finally, SV design will produce ultra-low-volume cars like the Le Mans GTR. Since the GMSV S1 LM is the first car from the new company, it only makes sense to start there. 'S1' stands for 'Special One' and was ordered in a series of five, just like the GTR-mimicking McLaren F1 LM road car. Some of these five got an unrestrected race engine, and the S1 LM goes a similar way, with an enlarged 4.3-liter version of the 4.0-liter V12 from the T.50. Still capable of 12,100 rpm, it now produces "over 700 horsepower," and like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the car has ear defenders for each of its occupants - in this case, three. Sadly for the rest of us, all five examples are going to one selfish customer obsessed with the McLaren F1, who worked with GMA and his own designer to help craft this modern reincarnation of the road-legal racer. With the McLaren F1 so valuable that it's practically impossible to write off in a crash, the S1 LM is instead based on the aforementioned GMA three-seater, but every surface is new, and the carbon fiber body has a lower roofline than the T.50. Unlike that car, there's no rear fan. Instead, there's an Inconel exhaust (wrapped in 18-karat gold-foiled heat shielding) exiting out of four central pipes like the car that inspired this design. Importantly, Murray has always bemoaned that his original McLaren F1 design did not have the Coke-bottle curves that would have given the F1 a much more sensual shape. That has been fixed here, and the result is something that turns the F1's design from striking to stunning. A bespoke aerodynamics package promises high-speed stability, while a unique suspension with new geometry, a lower ride height, and custom damper tuning should make for an even more engaging drive. Speaking of, there is still a six-speed manual gearbox, now with a redesigned linkage that delivers shorter rifle-bolt-like throws. Completely new seats and a fully redesigned interior with a new McLaren F1-like wheel masterfully blend retro design cues with contemporary craftsmanship, whether we're talking about the futuristic silver spec or the classic green tartan interior shown in these images. This respect for the past and embrace of innovative design will keep this interior spectacular for decades to come, and we look forward to seeing what the other configurations look like. Okay, so we have no chance at owning the S1 LM. What about the GMSV Le Mans GTR? Nearly five times as many will be made, so there's a shot, right? Of course not. Low-volume hypercars that are revealed at Monterey Car Week are often sold out long before, and that's the case with all 24 of these (one for each hour of the iconic Le Mans endurance race). The design takes inspiration from Murray's own longtail designs but also uses longtails like the Matra-Simca MS660, Porsche 917, and Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3 as its muses. GMSV has developed a new platform for the vehicle, with the GMA 4.0-liter V12 and manual six-speed as almost the only elements carried over from the sister company. The Le Mans GTR also does away with a rear fan, yet its front splitter, deep side skirts, and twin-channel rear diffuser (through which the double exhaust exits) still "generate maximum ground effect aerodynamics." A roof-mounted ram-air intake much larger than those on the T.50 or T.33 promises an intoxicating induction sound through the cabin, with the centrally seated driver surely benefiting the most. Stiffer and lighter suspension, a wider track, larger Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, enhanced cooling capacity, and new vents and side-pod intakes for engine and gearbox cooling will allow for sustained abuse on track, and the solid mounting of the engine means the driver will have a direct connection with what the car is doing beneath them. Again, we must mention the Aston Martin Valkyrie. This has its engine mounted to the bulkhead behind the occupants, and the vibrations it creates are, shall we say, less than comfortable. However, GMSV has developed a new system that it says removes many of these noise and vibration issues. Still festooned in carbon fiber but less dramatically styled, this cabin is more reminiscent of the T.50 than the S1 LM, yet it's also clearly a much more high-end experience, with texturing and detailing on practically every surface, including the stunning door pulls and the hardware that binds these elements to the doors. Let's start with the F1 tribute. It looks as futuristic as a Kyza render, yet is unmistakably still teeming with F1 DNA. The massive lower side intake adds a level of drama and menace that the original was missing, and which other supercars of the era, like the Lamborghini Diablo, fully capitalized on. The combination of narrow LED slits and outlines that mimic the shape of the original headlights is arguably the only correct way to reimagine the F1, and the simplicity of the front fascia does a fine job of upholding the clean aesthetic that appealed to so many fans of the original. Admittedly, the intake on the shoulder line breaks up the clean lines of the profile, but this is an LM tribute, and combined with the five-spoke wheels and hood intake, it's just racy enough. At the back, the fonts on the badges and their placement on the complex mesh between the vaned taillights are elements that are only fully appreciated up close, and the classic triple-exit bumper vents are pure racecar. With the massive diffuser and exposed rear tires, the design combines the best of old-school '90s design with modern aerodynamic know-how. As for its sibling, the sharper angles, vertical lines below the sculpted headlights, and the almost Zagato-like rear end truly stir the soul in a way that the perhaps-too-pure T.50 did not. Both are beautiful, but this is a car that instantly spikes heart rates the moment it's seen, while the T.50's design needed to be savored to be fully appreciated. The rear haunches call to mind a Ferrari FXX-K from the front and the Ford GT from the rear, but there's also a clear GMA flavor in the glasshouse, roof snorkel, birds-eye view, and the lighting elements. Both cars are stunning, and while we have no idea what they cost, their provenance, performance, and presence seem worth whatever the asking price might have been. To sum these two cars up in a single sentence may be impossible, and we can't wait to see what's next from GMSV. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Car and Driver
a day ago
- Car and Driver
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles Pays Tribute to Le Mans
A spin-off from Gordon Murray Automotive, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles will focus on small-run and custom designs, unveiling its first two projects at The Quail during Monterey Car Week 2025. The GMSV Le Mans GTR is limited to just 24 units and features space-age longtail bodywork. The GMSV S1 LM is a customer special request, and only five examples will be built. Gordon Murray's name remains forever married to the famed McLaren F1 he designed, but these days we've been hearing it more in reference to his refined take on that car, the T.50. But that's all Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA). Just one company can't hold all Mr. Murray's big ideas, which leaves room for Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV). GMSV allows Murray to play with one-off designs, special commissions, and history-inspired continuation builds. View Photos Gordon Murray Special Vehicles The possibilities are endless, but to start, GMSV revealed two in-process projects at The Quail during 2025 Monterey Car Week. Both cars are Le Mans-inspired and take the high-revving, lightweight format of the T.50 to the next level. The first, GMSV's "Le Mans GTR," plays off the extended rear deck of what's commonly referred to as "longtail" designs. The stretched back allows for better downforce and stability at high speeds, and the look caught the imagination of race fans and car designers. GMSV Le Mans GTR The GTR uses the GMA 4.0-liter V-12 engine and manual six-speed from the T.50, but has a completely different body, aiming for high grip and cornering without the controversial rear fan of the T.50 and T.50S. Its massive rear wing and protruding diffuser might be only a fraction less controversial, but at least the owner won't have to answer questions about how they work. Roof-mounted air intakes will give the GTR a sound to match its racy looks and 12,100-rpm redline. View Photos Gordon Murray Special Vehicles GMSV will also offer the GTR as an SV Design model with a stiffer and lighter suspension, wider track, bigger tires, and more cooling for true track action. GMSV consultant Dario Franchitti said that while it's not accurate to call the Le Mans GTR track-focused, it will have a noticeably different driving personality than the T.50. The display GTR is still in the modelling stage, but the plan is to build 24 GMSV Le Mans GTR models, and GMSV says they are all sold. You get a cookie if you can guess why GMSV went with 24 as the production run. Hint: How many hours are there in the famous endurance race? GMSV S1 LM For the S1 LM, there was no need to find buyers, as the customer came to Murray with a special request for a car that harkens back directly to the modified McLaren F1 GTR that took victory at Le Mans in 1995. It's got a much more McLaren-y look than the GTR, but it tucks in more at the middle, giving it the coke-bottle shape Murray has always bemoaned as missing from the original F1. View Photos Gordon Murray Special Vehicles It looks great on five-spoke wheels, and those should make it through to the final design. Unfortunately, what look like pop-up headlights will most likely get nixed before production. The S1 LM builds around a central airfoil, roof-mounted intake, split rear wing, and a central four-part exhaust. It uses a 4.3-liter naturally-aspirated V-12, which is a bored-out version of T.50's engine. "It's lighter!" said Franchitti. Like its sibling, the S1 LM uses a large wing and a wide rear diffuser to sweep air out from under the body. Just one custom Gordon Murray car wasn't enough for this customer; they have five road-legal S1 LM models on order. Gordon Murray Special Vehicles View Photos Gordon Murray Special Vehicles All these special projects and sold-out runs bode well for the future of the Gordon Murray Group, said CEO Phillip Lee. "The last car is on the production line for T.50," he remarked, adding that the T.50S track variant will start production in September, and the T.33 remains on target for the summer of 2026. In the meantime, Gordon Murray is still drawing cars. "Sometimes we'll be in a meeting and I'll think Gordon is listening and then at the end he'll slide over a piece of paper with something fantastic on it and say, 'What do you think, should we build this?'" Elana Scherr Senior Editor, Features Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn't know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver's license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2." In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club. Read full bio
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Crowning The Road: England's Most Iconic Supercars And Grand Tourers
By Kimatni D. Rawlins From the legendary performance of McLaren to the luxurious refinement of Aston Martin, Britain has a distinguished history of producing some of the world's most iconic supercars and grand tourers. These vehicles are more than just modes of transportation; they are a showcase of exceptional engineering, timeless design, and a driving experience that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. Join us as we explore the models that have cemented their legacy as the most celebrated British machines on the road. Recalling the test drive in San Diego with the all-new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé in the spring of 2007, we invited Nick Cannon, an aficionado of the British automaker, to join us as the first entertainer to witness and experience the convertible. The brother was ecstatic and lost his mind at the time. But that is the distinctive effect British automakers garner from urban car fanatics, especially me! Designers and artisans across the pond are magical with their bespoke craftsmanship and methods. For example, when the Bentley GT hit the scene, it found a newfangled audience within the hip-hop community. I can't tell you how many rap videos the coupe was featured in. The reverence for the sporty two-door was unimaginable. The momentum continues as I showcase four elite British models that will engage all five senses. McLaren Artura Spider McLarens are born and bred on the track. The latest interaction with the brand's racing technology came in the form of a 2025 McLaren Artura Spider, finished with a vibrant Ventura Orange paint job. Artura originated from pairing 'Art' and 'Future,' precisely articulating McLaren's vision of the perfect daily driver. Energetically balanced, there is nothing like 691 English horses racing down runways with authority from the twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. Inherently resourceful, McLaren leverages the technology and expertise from its motorsports division to enhance the performance of its consumer fleet. The Artura is constructed with super-lightweight materials, advanced driver-focused technologies, and inventive McLaren design and engineering techniques. Representing McLaren's first series-production hybrid convertible, it produces 691-horsepower, pushing the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in 3 seconds. Top speed is a remarkable 205 mph. The supercar also offers a short all-electric range of about 21 miles for quiet city cruising. The e-motor also empowers the gas engine for top-end acceleration when called upon. Starting at $273,800, the model test-driven was equipped with nearly every option available, totaling $325,258. Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II As you can imagine, Ghost Series II is technologically progressive due to detailed product planning and modern design strategies. It enters the reinvention phase as the most successful model in the British marque's history. Ghost owners will appreciate the updated 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine distributing 563-horsepower, a Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet, upgraded 1,400-watt, 18-speaker Rolls-Royce Bespoke Audio, and Grey-Stained Ash and Duality Twill finishes. The test car featured fully polished 22' wheels, which Rolls-Royce describes as an interplay of elegant folding surfaces highlighting the robust 9-spoke arrangement. All-wheel steering and all-wheel drive increase traction and improve maneuverability. Of course, the rear-hinged, automatically closing coach doors and the famed Rolls-Royce door umbrellas are key attributes of the Ghost Series II. Interested parties can order and specify their Ghost Series II at any Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA authorized dealer commencing at $355,000. The $420,000 Black Badge Ghost Series II amplifies the game by integrating above and beyond amenities. The posh, Bespoke cabin of the Series II is creatively curated from hand-stitched materials, precious metals, advanced digitization, omnipresent illumination, and new fabrics. For example, the richly grained Grey-Stained Ash is a natural open-pore wood finished by hand and highlighted with microscopic metallic particles for a shining effect. Optional features include reclining Serenity Seating akin to a mobile spa, a Champagne cooler, an automatic folding picnic table, lambswool floormats, illuminated treadplates, and the Shooting Star Headliner, all designed to provide occupants with memorable excursions. The Return of Aston Martin's Legendary Vanquish V12 Numerous devotees of British design philosophies first became acquainted with the Vanquish in the 2002 James Bond spy film Die Another Day, which starred Pierce Brosnan as 007. Quite the contrary, I wished to live another day to take full advantage of Aston Martin's 2025 Vanquish V12 and its intoxicating acceleration. Stunningly beautiful and ambitiously powerful, the RWD supercar from Gaydon is backed by a 5.2-liter Twin-Turbo V12 releasing 824-horsepower for a top speed of 214 mph and a 3.2-second 0-60 mph time. In addition, Formula 1 credibility is essential, since racing is aligned with the company's history. What Aston Martin learns from the track is instilled into consumer products. Reserved for the upper echelon of society, just under 1,000 examples will be made annually for $429,000. Step inside to admire the uber-luxurious and technical cockpit. Intimate details begin with semi-aniline leather, 16-way adjustable sports plus seats, carbon-fiber paneling (or metal trim), a new 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins bespoke audio system, and the fully digital 10.25' customizable touchscreen, which sits at an angle. The in-house engineered, custom infotainment system is utilized on three other Aston Martins (DB12, Vantage, and DBX 707) to bring the brand up to speed with today's standards. For example, Wireless Apple CarPlay is available, and the Aston Martin Connected Car app is the nucleus for typical operations. I'm also elated that the Vanquish V12 incorporates physical buttons and dials instead of just touch-capacitive. In addition to luxurious rides, Aston Martin's Formula One team has actively committed to diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for Black individuals and students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As part of its 'Make A Mark' strategy, the team has partnered with organizations like the Aleto Foundation to provide bespoke leadership and mentorship programs for young ethnic minority students, aiming to break down barriers to entry in motorsport and STEM careers. Additionally, in collaboration with partners such as Cognizant and Citi, Aston Martin has held panel discussions and events to inspire students from HBCUs and underserved communities, showcasing pathways into the sport beyond driving. The team also celebrates Black History Month with internal events to honor the contributions of its diverse workforce and foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels represented and empowered. New Bentley Continental GT Speed Electrifies When the Continental GT first hit the scene, it was a cultural phenomenon that became a universal driveway display for influential individuals, from pro athletes to music artists. Today, the British grand tourer represents top-notch engineering, design, and technology practices related to performance and interior personalization from Bentley's traditional bespoke materials and decorative finishes. The current GT Speed is a plug-in hybrid featuring a 25.9 kWh battery and 140 kW e-motor, providing 50 miles of electric range for driving quietly and efficiently through the city. The marvel is powered by a stalwart 4-liter twin-turbo V8 (shared with the Porsche Panamera) that produces a combined 771-horsepower for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. Added performance stems from active AWD, all-wheel steering, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, and twin exhaust outlets that rumble when pushed. Switch to Sport mode to automatically open the valves and exhaust, producing thrilling audible notes. Bentley is famous for its custom and premium interior materials, whether dark chrome or stone veneers. Owners consistently come to Bentley to present their unique expressions, mainly through color combos and hand-finished materials. The vehicle has been upgraded with connected services using Google's network, air ionization, and wellness seat technology. Quilted doors, three-dimensional leather textures, and perforated bucket seats set the tone for stellar craftsmanship. The icing on the cake comes in the form of the 3-way Bentley Rotating Display, which is interchangeable to show either a handcrafted veneer, three analog dials, or the 12.3' navigation screen. Pricing starts at $302,100. It needs to be stated that Rolls-Royce ownership is a potent symbol of success. This luxury brand has been embraced by prominent figures in the Black community, including athletes like Floyd Mayweather and Shaquille O'Neal, as well as artists like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who reportedly own a custom-built Rolls-Royce Boat Tail valued at over $28 million. Entrepreneurship has also played a key role, with Thomas Moorehead becoming the first African American Rolls-Royce dealer in the U.S. in 2001; his company, Sterling Motorcars, now generates over $600 million annually and supports the community through various initiatives. Reflecting this growing market and social awareness, Rolls-Royce has made a public commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and leadership, implementing programs like a global leadership initiative for Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups to increase representation. The company also celebrates UK and US Black History Months and has adapted its marketing to authentically reflect its diverse consumer base, a notable evolution from a historical reliance on stereotypes. So, you can get with this, or you can get with that. But no matter what, a luxury British ride is where it's at! RELATED CONTENT:
