McLaren Sells Five Iconic F1 Cars via Tom Hartley Jnr

McLaren is parting with five prized pieces of its Formula 1 history, ranging from the early 1990s to the current era. By partnering with specialist dealer Tom Hartley Jnr, the Woking-based team aims to transition these machines from climate-controlled storage into the hands of collectors who will actively run and preserve them.

Why it matters:

Provenance is the gold standard in the collector market, and race-used machinery sold directly by the manufacturer is an exceptionally rare occurrence. This move signals a strategic shift in how McLaren manages its heritage, prioritizing the active life of the cars over static preservation in a warehouse.

The Details:

• The Senna Era: Two 1991 MP4/6A chassis (No. 4 and 7). While primarily raced by Gerhard Berger, both were tested by Ayrton Senna during his third and final world championship campaign.
• The Hamilton-Button Peak: The 2012 MP4/27A (Chassis No. 1), from a season where the duo secured seven Grand Prix victories.
• Modern Milestones:
  • MCL35M (2021): The Mercedes-powered car that delivered the iconic 1-2 finish at Monza with Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris.
  • MCL60 (2023): A podium-consistent machine that also served as a filming prop for Brad Pitt's F1 movie.

The Big Picture:

CEO Zak Brown has emphasized that keeping these cars in storage is a "disservice" to their purpose. In the context of 2026, as McLaren continues to solidify its position as a top-tier contender, the team is leveraging its prestigious history to keep its heritage business active and visible within the global motorsport community.

What's next:

Given the direct provenance and the legendary connection to Senna, these chassis are expected to command premium prices. The sale marks a significant moment for F1 collectors, as it opens a direct window into the engineering evolution of one of the sport's most successful constructors.